Journey to the Farthest Planet by Michael D. Cooper

Author:Michael D. Cooper [Cooper, Michael D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: adventure, astronaut, planet, scifi, solar system, space, Titan, Nyx, Xenobot
Publisher: Critical Press Media
Published: 2022-10-05T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Zimbardo’s Superiors

David thought quickly. “The Starmen will take one of the shuttlecraft down to get a closer look. While we are gone, Captain Bors will orbit the planet in the Starventure, take measurements, and create a map of its surface. We’ll radio when we’re ready to return to the mothership.”

The muttering among the crew had stopped, but the tension in the cabin was unmistakable. David turned from the screen and scanned the assembly. Derf Bors greeted his glance with a decisive smile and others appeared ready to do what was asked of them. A number of crewmembers, however, avoided meeting David’s eyes. They looked sullen and uncomfortable. The tight lips of more than one gave evidence of resentfulness and growing contempt toward the Starman. Joe and Mark moved up to David and stood next to him in a posture of genial ease—yet clearly showed their support of the leader of the Starlight Enterprise expedition.

David turned toward Captain Bors and said, almost casually, “Sir, would you help us to prepare a shuttlecraft? I’d like your advice on the best way to approach that city below.”

“Certainly, Mr. Foster,” the pilot replied. “Bronk,” he said, addressing the large man, “please supervise the orbiting maneuvers until I return. The rest of you, go to your stations and begin taking data.”

“Yes, sir, Captain!” responded Dennis Bronk with a sudden show of enthusiasm. “You heard the Captain,” he boomed to the crew. “Let’s get moving!”

When the Starmen had gathered with Captain Bors next to one of the five-passenger shuttlecraft, David spoke frankly.

“Derf, there is a bad feeling aboard the ship. I don’t trust some of the crew. The four we’ve dealt with for a couple of months now have been identified and we’ve tried to contain them, but in the tight quarters of the ship their influence has continued to spread. I’d very much like to take two shuttlecraft and a contingent of the Starlight Enterprise personnel to reconnoiter down below, but I don’t feel comfortable doing so. You may need the support of loyal crewmembers until everyone aboard the Starventure sees that there is nothing to fear about this dark planet. Then I think they’ll feel pretty foolish.

“For right now, then, only Joe, Mark, and I will descend to the surface. I plan only a short stay—maybe only the time it takes you to complete two or three orbits. We’ll get a quick overview of the city, and at the same time show the entire crew that there is nothing out of the ordinary down below.”

“Very well, Zip,” agreed the Captain. “I’ve seen this kind of tension aboard ship several times before. As you know, it’s not uncommon, especially on long missions like this one. I’ll get the crew busy collecting data. We’ll drop a few probes and watch Nyx’s profile take shape on our screens. Our first orbit should be completed soon and we’ll be back over the city. I’ll give you a few minutes warning so you can launch when you’re ready.”

“Good!” said David, and shook hands with the Captain.

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