Free Asimov's SF, January 2012 by Dell Magazine Authors

exercise control over the Copperhead after her engines blew out, or operating from the auxiliary control room aft when power on the bridge had failed. She'd be required to deal with a series of emergencies, probably including a runaway AI that refused to allow a shutdown. But this was the first stop. Just show that she could handle the Copperhead. Compute the gravity index and get the approach velocity right. Don't go skipping off into space; don't bounce around in the atmosphere.
    Hutch had done this any number of times in simulation. And she'd brought training vehicles smoothly into Earth orbit. No problem at all. Just pay attention. Here, of course, the gravity was a bit different. And that changed the game slightly. But all she needed to do was follow her instincts. And she knew she'd have had no problem had Jake not been sitting there watching her every move.
    "It's okay,” he told her. “You're doing fine."
    Maybe it would have been better had he said nothing. As it happened, she came in at a slightly higher velocity than the situation called for. A more experienced pilot would have eased back, just touched the braking thrusters, and slipped into orbit. But Hutch overreacted, braking too hard. She heard a couple of surprised cries in the passenger cabin.
    "Damn,” she said.
    "You're all right. Just back off a bit.” She was well above the atmosphere. Taking no chances with that.
    She came off the thrusters altogether, then had to apply them again. Only slightly, and had she spent more time on the bridge she'd have thought nothing of it. But at the moment the maneuver seemed horribly clumsy.
    "Orbit established,” said Benny.
    She exhaled. “Okay, everybody, you can get out of your restraints now."
    * * * *
    The shuttle was packed with supplies and replacement parts. It was currently about twenty minutes before sunrise at the ground station.
    She contacted the complex, and heard a woman's voice this time. “Acharius,” Hutch said, “this is Copperhead. We're on schedule."
    "We'll be waiting, Copperhead."
    She and Jake got up and wandered back into the passenger cabin to make sure the passengers were ready to go. Jake glanced at her, and she understood. She would continue to function as captain.
    "We'll be leaving in a few minutes,” she said. “The ride down to Acharius will take about three-quarters of an hour. Make sure you have everything you need. This would be a good time to check your compartment.” She smiled. “It was a pleasure to have you along. I hope you enjoyed the flight."
    Larry and Isaika took a last look around to be sure they had everything. The professor remained placidly in his seat, his restraints still holding him in place. Then, finally, it was time to go.
    Hutch led the way down to the launch bay, which also served as the cargo area. Like the ship, the shuttle was heavily armored. The pilot would not be able to see directly outside, and would be dependent on a display screen. “Best,” said Jake, “is to let the AI take us down."
    She had no problem with that.
    They stowed the luggage in the cargo bin, and she opened the hatch. Interior lights came on. Everybody climbed in. “Snug,” said Eddington.
    Hutch, without lifting her eyes from the gauges, nodded. “The sacrifices we make for science,” she said quietly.
    Jake elbowed her gently. No smart remarks.
    Eddington didn't reply.
    "We've started decompressing the launch bay,” she said. “We'll be leaving in about three minutes."
    "How can you see to fly this thing?” asked Larry. “It's like sitting in a box."
    * * * *
    The Acharius Complex was, for the most part, underground, buried beneath a lead shield. The shield, of course, had long since been covered by windblown dirt and vegetation. Four small modular blockhouses were visible. They served primarily as entrances. Two shuttles were on the ground.
    As they descended, someone came out of one of the blockhouses and waved. Eddington, who also had access to a display,