The clear plastic of the
domes had to be shielded from chance meteors. Besides, radar screens were
more dependable than eyes, even though they could pick up only solid
objects. If the Consops cruiser happened to be searching visually, it
would see this blast. But the chance had to be taken. It wasn't really
much of a chance.
"One minute," he said. He faced the asteroid, then darkened his helmet,
counting to himself.
The minute ticked off rapidly, though his count was a little slow. When
he reached five, brilliant, incandescent light lit up the interior of the
boat. Rip saw it even though his helmet was dark. The light faded slowly,
and as it did, he gradually put his helmet back on full transparent.
A mighty column of fire now reached out from the asteroid into space. Rip
held his breath until he saw that the little planet was sheering off its
course under the great blast. Then he sighed with relief. All was well so
far.
Someone muttered, "By Gemini! I'm glad we're out here instead of down
there!"
The column of fire lengthened, thinned out, grew fainter, until there was
only a glow behind the asteroid. Rip took his astrogation instruments and
made a number of sights. They looked good.
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