In Universal Man, a short story of virtue, greed and ambition, Mario Miranda delivers a fascinating look at the life of an astronaut, the ambitions and interests that drive politics and power, and the qualities in all of us that make us human.
THE INCIDENT
It happens in the desolate darkness of the confines of the International Space Station. No one realizes at first the magnitude of what has happened, even though it has the potential to change forever the course of humanity. The first to discover the incident is NASA's flight surgeon; it is his embarrassing duty to inform the strict Admiral Frank Mueller, NASA's administrator, who immediately prepares a report to be submitted to the young and ambitious President Chuck Lowe.
THE COVERUP
At a Cabinet meeting in the Oval Office, the greedy Vice President Jesse Morgan suggests that NASA might be saved if the government engages in a "limited hangout," also known as a half confession. The president, his staff and NASA will have to engage in an enormous conspiracy to mask what has happened 200 miles above them, in the space station.
THE STAKES
President Lowe sees at once that the incident could bring down his administration, but it could also be his opportunity to lay down a legacy.
Vice President Morgan knows that if he manipulates the situation correctly, his corporate interests will benefit enormously.
Admiral Mueller might lose control of NASA if things get out of hand. But it could also be NASA's finest hour, if the situation is handled properly.
Astronaut Karen Faye realizes that she could become a celebrity and a historical figure if things work out in her favor, but they could also end in loss of life and disaster.
Universal Man is a story about intrigue, greed, government corruption and personal ambition. But it is also a story about friendship, love, loyalty and what it means to be human.
