Free Article 23 by William R. Forstchen Page B

told you how when I was a boy I saw one of the old first-generation shuttles lift off."
    Justin nodded, slightly awed that the man before him had memories of the 20th century space program.
    "Well, I remember when one of the original shuttles peeled a heat tile on reentry. The thing opened up like a zipper once that first hole was punched. They never released it but years later, while I was in training, I heard the cockpit recording of the crew. It wasn't pleasant."
    Thorsson looked off for a moment.
    "Anyhow, I used to dwell on that. Funny how each of us has our own special fear that we rarely admit. For some, it's getting spaced; for others it's a micro-meteor punch while out in a suit, even though the odds against that are next to nil. Others just fear being alone, meeting the Tracs , or simply 'pulling a Hansen.' For me it was burning on reentry. Liftoff was fine I loved it but once we were up I sweated out reentry even though it might be months away. Used to keep me up late at nights."
    Thorsson laughed softly.
    "Remember, I was one of the biggest proponents of the Skyhook. Sure, I gave all the arguments before committees about the ultimate payback on the trillion-plus investment. In just ten years we're seeing that already. But down deep, son, well down deep I wanted the darn thing so we could get rid of reentry."
    Thorsson smiled and leaned back in his chair.
    "So now you know my little secret. Hope you don't think less of me."
    Justin was startled. "No, of course not, sir."
    "When do you go for your first dive, Bell?'
    "We're supposed to go this weekend, sir."
    "Fine, that fits the schedule."
    "Schedule, sir?"
    "You and forty other plebes are getting a posting, son."
    "A posting?' Justin was startled. Usually a cadet spent a year at the Academy before going out on his first assignment.
    "Little change in policy. It's just a standard run out to an orbital base near Mars. Most of the ship's space was empty it's an old design run now by a skeleton crew, so I managed to convince Fleet Assignment to let me throw some plebes aboard. There won't be much shipboard duty, and thus plenty of time to keep up on your studies. You'll be gone a month. I thought it'd be a good incentive for some of our top plebes to get a shot at it, and might provide some good training as well."
    "A top plebe, sir?" Justin hesitated. "You sure of that, sir?"
    Thorsson laughed and shook his head. "Just like your father. Never really sure just how well you're doing. Sure, Astro -Navigation needs some polishing, but there was that lifesaving award showed quick thinking and guts, more guts than you know you have. By the way, Cadets Everett, Smith and Leonov will be going along, so you'll have some friends to keep you company."
    "That's great, sir. May I tell them?"
    "Sure. Mention it to Cadet Colson as well. He's your roommate, isn't he?"
    Justin hesitated.
    "Yes, sir."
    Thorsson smiled knowingly.
    "Is there a problem?"
    "Oh, no, sir," Justin said quickly.
    Thorsson chuckled. "Ah, yes, the Code. Never squeal to an officer or upperclassman about another cadet. Well, I think having Mr. Colson going with you and especially with Mr. Everett might be the right touch."
    "Sir?"
    Justin was confused. The tension in their room since the start of the semester had been as thick as an arctic freeze. Justin had noticed that Colson tended to hang with several other cadets who had stated their disdain of offworlders and especially of the freewheeling style of solar sailors. Matt had tried to remain aloof, though there had been several sharp exchanges.
    "Bell, there's a lot of tension on this ship, and not just among the plebes. I just cashiered two junior-level cadets today for a fistfight over the separatist issue. Though I know it's against tradition to talk about it I think it's safe to say that even up here in officer country there are some sharp disagreements."
    Justin said nothing, feeling it best not to comment.
    "If this system, this dream, is to work, then we