awakened after that time.
35 Also, during that period, the frieghter's Engineer
carefully studied the pictures North had brought in. When North woke,
he showed the General the problem. "That last pod must've broken away
just as we dropped back into normal space. A huge piece of piping broke
out of her, bent up and caught in the framework like a hook. It's all
that's holding her to the ship. Every little change of gravity makes
her start swinging in a new direction.
36 We've either got to blow her away by blasting off that piece of
piping, or get lines on her, pull her into this section of the
framework, and weld her fast with some sections of support beam.
37 We don't dare try to apply thrust to stop this rotation until we do
one or the other. And no other ship can approach us while we're this
unstable."
38 North looked at Thundering Star. "Better start getting suited up.
Help me on my feet. Is my suit ready?"
39 "No way!" objected Thundering River. "No way you're going back out
there again. You've already been in that suit twice as long as
recommended under engineering procedure. I cannot permit you to go out
again. Besides, two of you can't handle that job alone. You've got to
tie down both ends at once. It's going to take at least four of you."
40 "Well, under any circumstances," snapped North, "I can't let you
three go out. You're vital to the survival of everyone in here."
41 "Well, I guess that doesn't leave us much choice," sighed Half Moon.
42 "Agreed!" snapped Bright Moon, "We'll be suited up in five minutes."
43 "What about your hands?" North asked Half Moon.