Free Forecast by Chris Keith Page B

train as ‘Space Tourists’ a while back. The intensive course specialised in space training, final countdown preparations and ground - based, complex space simulators. The crew had been fortunate enough to spend two days at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre thirty seven miles northeast of Moscow using the same simulators used by cosmonauts to prepare for space travel. They had also performed a work session in the Hydrolab under-water facility used to prepare cosmonauts for spacewalks.
    “We enrolled at the ATLAS Aerospace company in Moscow four years ago.”
    “Four years ago? Have you done any refresher courses since then?”
    “No, we just haven’t had the funds to go again. We’ve done several parachute jumps, you know, just in case we need to abandon the balloon and most of us have hundreds of flights under our belts. Plus we keep ourselves physically fit with regular exercise and what have you.”
    “How about your spacesuits? Have you trained in them?”
    “A little, not much.”
    “Listen, Brad, have you ever tried tying your shoelace while wearing boxing gloves?”
    He frowned. “No.”
    “Well, that’s what wearing a spacesuit is like. You’ll be working inside a body - shaped pressurised balloon. A long, inflexible balloon at that. I suggest you practice working in one and encourage your crew to do the same over the next couple of weeks. I’ve trained in zero - gravity conditions, practiced high angle - of - attack manoeuvring, difficult landing flare techniques, and also flying under adverse environmental conditions. But I still have difficulty performing basic tasks in a spacesuit.”
    After all his doubts, all his prejudices, Sutcliffe felt reassured having Hennessey on the mission. In the unlikely event of adversity, the research pilot would be a valuable asset to the team.

Part 2

 
 
 

Chapter 8

 
 
    A sunrise so eloquent and absorbing took on a surreal brilliance, flirting with the Atlantic Ocean on the desolate horizon. Not a breath of wind in the air, the sea calm, just as the weather experts had forecasted.
    More than five thousand people had already congregated on the cliffs of St. Ives to watch the historical event. Some spectators had arrived in the early hours of Sunday morning to snag a prime viewing position. People were camped down on the beach and out to sea was a colony of sailboats, fishing trawlers and speedboats. Boat owners had anchored their machines and were out on deck ready to wave and cheer the Fable - 1 team on. On land, fathers attended to their children and mobile vendors tempted tourists with muffins, baps and hot drinks. Meanwhile, police officers in lime yellow jackets watched over the excited masses and everybody was out in good spirits.
    Two enormous TV monitors were being fed with live images from cameras scattered about the cliff - top where cameramen had judged the perfect spot to snap footage of the event, giving the spectators an alternative view. At various sections of the gondola, technicians were checking and rechecking the weather instruments onboard Fable - 1. The helium balloon had been brought out to a marked area long before sunrise prior to the arrival of spectators. Every inch of the balloon’s fabric had been examined for tears and holes. The enormous, red gondola, which had retractable wheels, had also been thoroughly checked for wear. Larger than most cars, it had been designed to accommodate five seats which encircled the perimeter. In the centre, an enormous chest with access points on all four sides accommodated the solar - wing camera equipment, ten pressurised oxygen tanks and NASA’s new project: a cosmic dust collection device attached to a large, deflated balloon. All apparatus were tied down firmly with straps. Despite its size and sturdiness, the gondola was lightweight and could survive in both air and water, if necessary. The ultra - thin polyethylene envelope attached to the enormous gondola was secured to the ground