10 "Will they be all right?" asked North.
11 "I think, sir," answered Thundering River, "I'm going to be busy for
a while, though. Do you want us to clean up the air lock?"
12 "No," North replied, "there's no time for that. Just shut the hatch
....no! Don't shut it! Leave the hatch open but shut down the air and
heat."
13 A few moments later they were moving again. As they neared
the hull of the middle section North heard the Engineer whistle. "Good
Lord!" he gasped, "How is she still holding, sir?"
14 "I don't know," answered North, "but what worries me is the way
what's left of that cargo pod is swinging around. One good bump and she
could breech that hull!"
15 "I agree, sir," the Engineer continued. "It's imperative we
evacuate."
16 "What's your name, mister?" asked North. "I'm getting tired of
saying 'Hey , Engineer!'"
17 "Thundering Star," the Engineer answered.
18 "O.k. Thundering," North acknowledged, "inside! As soon as we're
sure we've got a secure contact, start cutting. I'll stay outside to
monitor the seal.
Let everyone inside know what you're doing. You know the hull, you pick
the place.
19 The Engineer moved along the hull, moving up and down. Finally, he
selected a spot and North moved the airlock over him. A moment later it
snapped to the hull with a jerk, as the magnetic ring was activated.
20 North did a circle making sure it was secure, then told Thundering
Star to start cutting. All North could do now was wait, while the young
Engineer cut through the hull and cleared a way to the trapped men.
The job was about half completed, when North was suddenly startled by
something grabbing his shoulder. "What the..." he cried.