A Space Oddessey 2061 Book 3 Chapter 46: Shuttle PART VI: HAVEN

A Space Oddessey 2061 Book 3 Chapter 46: Shuttle PART VI: HAVEN

'Speaking from memory,' said Dr Anderson, 'Goddard's first rocket flew about fifty metres. I wonder if Mr Chang will beat that record?' 'He'd better - or we'll all be in trouble.' Most of the science team had gathered in the observation lounge, and everyone was staring anxiously back along the hull of the ship. Although the entrance of the 'garage' was not visible from this angle, they would see the Bill Tee soon enough, when - and if - it emerged. There was no countdown; Chang was taking his time, making every possible check - and would fire when he felt like it. The shuttle had been stripped down to its minimum mass, and was carrying just enough propellant for one hundred seconds of flight. If everything worked, that would be ample; if it didn't, more would not only be superfluous, but dangerous. 'Here we go,' said Chang casually. It was almost like a conjuring trick; everything happened so quickly that the eye was deceived. No one saw Bil…