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met only a bland countenance. He turned back to the computer. "Big Boy, I have some questions for
you,"
"Proceed, sir."
Passing hesitated a moment then bulled ahead. "I understand that the gravity generators have been
installed and will be functional shortly. Is that correct?"
"It is."
"How do they work? That is, are they necessary for faster than light travel?"
"Not per se, sir. However, they are necessary in order to maintain the integrity of the ship while in
FTL mode."
"I think I see: they are necessary for humans to endure FTL travel."
"Essentially, yes, but the generators will also be convenient when not in flight, at a much-reduced
level, of course."
The statement confirmed Passing's suspicions: not only was the FTL technology necessary, but the
secret of the gravity generators would also have to be stolen, if not the ship itself.
"What makes you think they will work?' He asked. "As I understand it, the Altairians developed the
concept during their voyage here, but lacked the necessary materials to construct them."
"The gravity generators are not solely an Altairian development, sir. Early in this century, some of
the theoretical aspects were discovered during research with the largest particle collider on earth. As you
may be aware, only one of its type was ever built, and its operation was abandoned during the
consolidation of earth's population into the present day Enclaves. The research records were kept,
however, and perusal of those records has provided us with a solid theoretical support for the Altairian
engineering specifications provided by Mr. Da Cruz. They will work."
"Hm. Given that that is true, I still have problems understanding how a material object can pass the
speed of light."
Big Boy's image captured the ghost of a smile. "It can't"
Passing frowned, forehead wrinkles emphasizing his over-large nose. "Explain, then. You can't have
it both ways!"
"Simply put, sir, without reference to the very obscure mathematical language required for true
understanding, the ship will not exceed the speed of light; rather, we will slow the rest of the universe
down."
Passing blinked in confusion. "That really doesn't tell me much. Can you relate the mathematical
theory in equation form forme? Perhaps some of my cohorts may understand them."
"That is not yet possible. The mathematical theory, or equations as you put it, is inherent in the
engineering specifications for the time stress generators given to Mr. Da Cruz. Until we actually test the
ship from another reference point in the Galaxy, the math cannot be discussed sensibly."
"Then how do you know they will work?"
"I have already run numerous simulations, from points within the solar system, our own galaxy, and
even from other galaxies. The simulations agree with the specifications."
Passing recognized a stall when he saw one, but he concealed his exasperation. It had been worth a
try. He turned to Captain Hawkins. "I think that's all I need to see here. Let's get on with the rest of the
tour."
"Big Boy can provide accurate simulations right here, if you wish," Hawkins said.
"No doubt, but I prefer to see everything with my own eyes,"
"As you wish. Thank you, Big Boy."
"You're welcome, Captain, Big Boy on standby."
***
Hawkins' dark face and kinky gray hair materialized in Jeannie's computer alcove. "Attention, all
personnel. Gravity generator test will begin in five minutes. I intend to test at 20% earth normal. Secure
all loose objects, and stand by. Take-off will follow in three hours."
"He doesn't leave any room for doubt, does he?" Jamie said, disengaging himself from Kristi. Why
couldn't he have waited a few minutes'?
"We'll still have three hours," Jeannie reminded him. "Twenty percent G should be almost as much
fun as zero G."
"If we don't just disappear," Jamie said. He felt his heartbeat increase, knowing that if anything went
wrong, it could probably be traced to his own mistakes in transferring knowledge from the Altairian
thought disk.
A deep humming noise swept through the ship, as if a hive of bees had taken up residence
somewhere within, and he felt a slight tug of gravity. It increased rapidly then held steady. The humming
noise faded, then ceased completely. His feet met the floor comfortably as the image of the Captain
appeared again.
"Gravity generators are now functioning normally. We will maintain the present settings throughout
our voyage. Our first destination will be to the orbit of Saturn, where we propose to explore the Altairian
ship. Estimated time of arrival is approximately twenty hours from take-off. Exploration party will consist
of personnel selected by Captain Masters. You will be notified shortly. Take-off in two hours, fifty-five
minutes. Engineers and astrogators remain at stations. All other personnel please remain in your
compartments until we are under way. Thank you."
The ship moved out exactly on schedule. The passengers felt nothing unusual. For Jamie, Jeannie
and Kristi, the time passed without them even noticing. They were occupied.
***
Jamie had just finished getting back into his clothes when Masters announced his presence from his
adjoining stateroom. He told the door to let him enter after waiting a moment for the women to finish
dressing. They seemed in no hurry. He shrugged as the ranger captain entered while they were still clad
only in the barest of briefs. Masters didn't seem to care either. He settled into one of the cushioned chairs
while Jeannie was still pulling on her coveralls. Kristi left hers alone, for reasons known only to her. "So
who's going?" She asked, adjusting her brief halter to accommodate her large, firm breasts. It covered
her nipples, but just barely, leaving the tops of the areoles visible.
Masters raised an eyebrow at her, then grinned, turning his lined face into boyish crinkles. "You
know you're going, of course. Our dogs. Smith and Corsair, and their dogs. And Jamie. "
"Jamie!" Jeannie exclaimed. "Why him? He' s not a ranger!"
Masters grinned inwardly. Jeannie was less adventuresome than any of them. Also, she had the idea
that Jamie couldn't take care of himself when he was absent from her. It had almost gotten her killed
before, but she had already conveniently forgotten the result of her last episode of trying to protect him.
"Sorry, but I want Jamie along. That thought disk he carries might be useful. It has the only real
knowledge we have about the Altairians, even if most of it is engineering specifications."
"He'll get hurt, just like last time," Jeannie said darkly.
"No," Woggly and Conan said at the same time. "We protect him, keep the varmints away."
"Just eat the varmints," Fuzzy Britches suggested.
"Let' s see what we find, first, Fuzz," Masters said, amused. Fuzzy Britches had a unique mind, in [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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