worry. I'll be back. "
117 "We'll be here, General," the Officer in the airlock answered, "You
just take your time."
118 North worked until he had to turn on his reserves, and then headed
back for the scout's hatches. The young Officers had been after him for
more than an hour to come in.
119 Thundering River was waiting at the hatch when he emerged. "Let me
help you out of that suit," he insisted, "you've been out almost ten
hours. That's two hours over recommended operational limits. I want to
check you over."
120 "Not now," argued North, "Help me recharge these systems. I need to
get back out."
121 "Sir," insisted the younger Officer, "you have made me Medical
Officer. In that capacity I order you out of that suit, and, an hour's
rest. Dead you will do those men out there no good."
122 North realized he had made a mistake giving the young Officer
medical authority. Now, he had to obey. What Thundering River feared
was true. Even the best fitting space suits rubbed in places.
123 While he bandaged the wounds, Little Star cleaned the space suit
and recharged the systems. In an hour North was ready. He had had them
bring up two additional propulsion units from the engineering stores.
124 As he was entering the air lock, another space-suited Officer
approached. The troublesome Engineer, helmet in hand, saluted. "We got
to our suits, sir," he remarked. "Mind if I accompany you?"
125 North returned his salute. "Get that helmet on, mister," he
ordered, "and get in the air lock!"