The green point of light on the 'scope was bigger than any other he had
seen.
"It's about the right size," O'Brine said. There was excitement in his
voice. "Correct course. Let's take a look at it."
All hands gripped something with which to steady themselves as the
cruiser spun swiftly onto the new course. The control officer called,
"I have it centered, sir. We'll reach it in about an hour at this speed."
"Jack it up," O'Brine ordered. "Heave some neutrons into it. Double
speed, then decelerate to reach it in thirty minutes."
The control officer issued orders to the engine control room. In a moment
acceleration plucked at them. O'Brine motioned to Rip. "Come on, Foster.
Let's see what Analysis makes of this rock."
Rip followed the commander to the deck below, where the technical
analysts were located. His heart was pounding a little faster than usual,
and not from acceleration, either. He found himself wetting his lips
frequently and thought, _Get hold of it, boy. You've got nothing to worry
about but high vacuum._
He didn't really believe it. There would be plenty to worry about. Like
detonating nuclear bombs and trying to figure their blast reaction. Like
figuring out the course that would take them closest to the sun without
pulling them into it.
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