The Planet Mappers by E. Everett Evans

Author:E. Everett Evans
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Jovian Press

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9

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DESPITE JON’S DESIRE TO GET away from this unfriendly world that bore his name, he was careful to see that the signal-marker was set out and functioning, and that the ship’s log contained as complete a record of the resources and data on the planet as was required by the Terran Colonial Board. The same was true of Four’s four moons. Jak checked all the work, nor did they leave Four until both boys were satisfied it was complete. Their mother was a great help in taking the numerous photographs needed, having become quite competent in handling the cameras. She was so relieved at the steady progress of her husband’s convalescence that she put extra enthusiasm into her photography. The family still felt that Mr. Carver should be kept as quiet as possible and away from any mental strain in connection with the ship and the planet mapping and, in his weakness, he seemed content to leave it that way for the time being. He asked few questions and accepted the reassuring answers contentedly.

Nor, even though Jon wished to get back to friendly Two as soon as he could, did he forget they still had to visit Planet Five, and scout and record that.

So, as soon as they were completely done on Four, he lost no time setting course for Five. Once on the way, he announced his names for the four moons of Four, and now it was Jak’s turn to scoff.

“Well, if you can name yours after flowers, I don’t see why you’ve got any kick coming because I name mine after fish,” Jon asserted. “I leave it to you, Mom—aren’t Tuna, Betta, Sturgeon and Porpoise nice names?”

“I think they are fine, just as I think Zinnia and Begonia are aptly named,” she said diplomatically.

The two boys made faces at each other, then Jon turned back to his computations. “I’m not as good at figuring these things out as Pop is, but I think Five is about a half billion miles from the sun. It’s almost three hundred and fifty million miles from here, since it’s further around the sun. But we’ll cut across on a direct route.”

To his surprise, Jak came up and clapped him on the shoulder. “You’re doing a grand job of astrogating, Chubby. I’m really proud of you.” His voice was sincere and appreciative.

“Yes,” their mother came over and kissed Jon, rumpling his hair affectionately. “I’ve been unexpectedly relieved that you’ve managed to get us to each world so surely and to land us so gently. Though maybe I shouldn’t have been so surprised, at that.” She laughed gaily as her younger son flushed from this unexpected praise.

“Aw, you guys are just saying that because I’m so wonderful.” Jon tried to joke, but they could tell how deeply he felt their compliments.

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