tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6899217500962998512024-02-07T18:02:26.687-08:00Uranian ObserverPonderings from beyond Saturn's orbitJohn C. Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042034612594266108noreply@blogger.comBlogger103125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689921750096299851.post-27523977032599060442017-01-01T09:19:00.000-08:002017-01-01T09:19:01.875-08:00Decades<div class="MsoNormal">
My decadal years have not been kind to me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My 10<sup>th</sup> year, my step-siblings moved in. I went from a big brother with a baby sister,
to dead last on the totem pole. My
brothers were stronger and more athletic than I, not to mention the youngest of
them being two months to the day older than I.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My 20<sup>th</sup> year I received a medical discharge from
the Navy, wrecked 3 cars and two motorcycles, was evicted twice and lost
several friends.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My 30<sup>th</sup> year my department was fired leaving a
very empty feeling and near paranoia.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My 40<sup>th</sup> year I was hit by a truck. Totaled the Harley and broke my back. I loved that bike. Did I mention withdrawals from Opiates
really, REALLY sucks.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My 50<sup>th</sup> year I finally realized that my career of
20+ years is done. Finished. Finito.
Sent to the dustbin of history. A place I can never return to.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So as I bid good riddance to a year of turmoil, strife, and
disruption and I welcome in a new beginning, I look into the abyss and think “Might
as well try to fly.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
John C. Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042034612594266108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689921750096299851.post-21437118457265844252016-11-12T05:17:00.001-08:002016-11-12T05:17:39.140-08:00Hangover: 2016Wait. Did Donald Trump actually win the presidency, or did somebody spike my tea with some really good stuff? Please tell me it is the latter.<br />
Yes, I voted for him.<br />
Yes, I would have voted for him multiple times, but I am a Republican.<br />
Yes, I will vote for him again.<br />
But seriously<br />
<h2>
<b>How in Hell did this Happen???</b></h2>
John C. Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042034612594266108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689921750096299851.post-75063468408470335392016-11-08T07:46:00.005-08:002017-01-01T09:19:55.866-08:00Election Day 2016<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s Election Day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That makes it sound like we have a choice…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’ve had four asshole presidents in a row and I would
really rather it wasn’t five. That
option is not on the ballot. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Donald Trump earned his nomination by taking on the number
one threat to civilization today: Political Correctness. He is not perfect at it, by any means, but he
is the only one doing it. That’s my kind
of asshole. Thank God for Durex.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Donald has never abandoned Americans and left them to
die. That makes him more qualified than
Hillary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Donald has never sold out his country’s security for
personal monetary gain. That makes him
more qualified than Hillary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What The Donald has been accused of, even if true (which I
do not believe for a second), is miniscule compared to what Bill Clinton has
been proven to have done multiple times, Hillary Clinton not only enabled and
covered up but she also attacked Bill’s victims. Basically that is a choice of the lesser PILE
of evils.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now is the time for all liberty loving, Constitution minded,
true American patriots to buck up, set aside our differences, stock up and get
in behind The Donald.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s going to be messy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s going to stink.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s not going to be comfortable.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It will not always go our way.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s unlikely to be productive.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We probably don’t want’ all that it’s got.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And when it is done, we might feel somewhat satisfied, but
we will definitely feel very sore and very used.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The real problem with that first logo is that it was a bit
too much truth in advertising.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Considering the alternative: I don’t think even Durex makes
products that can help us with a Hillary presidency and the rash would be the
least of it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That’s why I voted for The Donald. Otherwise I voted a straight Republican
ticket.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
John C. Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042034612594266108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689921750096299851.post-57946789847517568352016-11-08T07:46:00.003-08:002016-11-08T07:48:31.968-08:00Election Day 2016<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s Election Day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That makes it sound like we have a choice…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’ve had four asshole presidents in a row and I would
really rather it wasn’t five. That
option is not on the ballot. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Donald Trump earned his nomination by taking on the number
one threat to civilization today: Political Correctness. He is not perfect at it, by any means, but he
is the only one doing it. That’s my kind
of asshole. Thank God for Durex.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Donald has never abandoned Americans and left them to
die. That makes him more qualified than
Hillary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Donald has never sold out his country’s security for
personal monetary gain. That makes him
more qualified than Hillary.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What The Donald has been accused of, even if true (which I
do not believe for a second), is miniscule compared to what Bill Clinton has
been proven to have done multiple times, Hillary Clinton not only enabled and
covered up but she also attacked Bill’s victims. Basically that is a choice of the lesser PILE
of evils.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now is the time for all liberty loving, Constitution minded,
true American patriots to buck up, set aside our differences, stock up and get
in behind The Donald.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s going to be messy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s going to stink.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s not going to be comfortable.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It will not always go our way.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s unlikely to be productive.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We probably don’t want’ all that it’s got.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And when it is done, we might feel somewhat satisfied, but
we will definitely feel very sore and very used.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The real problem with that first logo is that it was a bit
too much truth in advertising.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Considering the alternative: I don’t think even Durex makes
products that can help us with a Hillary presidency and the rash would be the
least of it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That’s why I voted for The Donald. Otherwise I voted a straight Republican
ticket.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
John C. Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042034612594266108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689921750096299851.post-49366719249554131362015-08-20T14:08:00.002-07:002015-08-20T14:09:33.012-07:00All Lives Matter v3.0<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/MmIuFJC5Nn8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MmIuFJC5Nn8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />John C. Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042034612594266108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689921750096299851.post-42869125493275521862015-08-14T08:51:00.000-07:002015-08-14T08:51:43.578-07:00Who's Life Matters v2.0<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Cooper Black","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">All
Lives Matter.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Cooper Black","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Black,
White, Red, Yellow, Purple Polka-dotted.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Cooper Black","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Gay,
Straight, Confused, Anything Goes, Denial, Self Obssessed.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Cooper Black","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Male,
Female, Not Quite Certain, Damn I Ain’t Gonna’ Be That!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Cooper Black","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rich,
Poor, Homeless, Ambitious, Unskilled, Demotivated.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Cooper Black","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Muslim,
Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, Jewish, Druish, Great <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Cooper Black","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Spaghetti
Monster.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Cooper Black","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Old,
Young, Unborn.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Cooper Black","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">All
Lives Matter!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
John C. Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042034612594266108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689921750096299851.post-78653077929198419862015-08-13T10:23:00.000-07:002015-08-13T10:23:39.148-07:00Who's Life Matters?<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Cooper Black","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">All
Lives Matter.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Cooper Black","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Black,
White, Red, Yellow, Purple Polka-dotted.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Cooper Black","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Gay,
Straight, Confused, Anything Goes, Denial, Self Obssessed.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Cooper Black","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Male,
Female, Not Quite Certain, Damn I Ain't Gonna’ Be That!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Cooper Black","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rich,
Poor, Homeless, Ambitious, Unskilled, Demotivated.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Cooper Black","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Old,
Young, Unborn.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Cooper Black","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">All
Lives Matter!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Cooper Black","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
John C. Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042034612594266108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689921750096299851.post-29975445383288185982015-08-11T09:58:00.000-07:002015-08-11T09:58:01.999-07:00American Exceptional ism, pt. 2<div class="MsoNormal">
If there is one lesson our society owes humanity to learn
from the last century it is: The
intellectual, elitist, snob, bigot, tyrants that proclaim to be the only ones
smart enough to run our lives for us, are universally wrong. They are wrong about everything, every single
time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It can be astounding just how absolutely dead wrong an Ivy
League indoctrination can make people.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It can be equally astounding just how arrogant and
contemptuous an Ivy League faculty lounge can make people.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But here it is, on parade, in our faces, up in our grill, so
to speak. This is nothing new. We have been subjected to this for over a century. For well over a hundred years these
intellectual, elitist, snob, bigot, tyrants have been foisting off horrible
policies and ideas, after terrible policies and ideas, after just plain wrong
headed policies and ideas.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is about damn time we learn the lesson!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is not easy. We
can do it. We are Americans. We are Exceptional. We can do anything.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our founders knew this was the nature of the beast. As a civilization becomes more affluent, more
of the population can dedicate their lives to study, to academic endeavors, to
science, and to philosophy. As more
people become more learned they will inevitably think, and then to believe, and
then to accept as fact that they have all the answers if they could just
control society. This becomes the
downfall of the civilization. Eventually
the intellectual, elitist, snob, bigot, tyrants take to bribing people from the
public treasury to buy their loyalty and that is the death knell. This is the cycle of civilization since
before written history. It is, quite
literally, the failed policies of the past.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our country was founded to be the exception to this
rule. Our country was designed to have a
limited government that serves the citizens instead of the historical norm of
the peasants serving the government. Our
constitution was created to be shackles on the government to limit the
intrusion of bureaucrats and politicians into our lives and limit the
opportunities for graft and corruption.
Our founders knew this from studying the ancient texts which documented
the cycle of civilization and have many cautionary tales about unfettered
government power.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The root cause of virtually every problem in our country
today is the government. Even the
problems not originally caused by government are perpetuated and expanded by
government, nearly always in the name of “compassion” or “fairness” or some
other hollow platitude.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The solution to nearly every problem is actually quite
simple. The solution is uniquely ours
and it works when it is followed. That
doesn’t mean we have not made mistakes by following it; in fact we have made
three mistakes even when following this plan, one of which was corrected also
by following it. We have two others to
correct.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here is how the solution starts, let me know if you have
heard of it before: “We the people…”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have to restore the Constitution of the United States of
America to be the law of the land. We
need to restore and strengthen the constitutional shackles and put the
government back in the box it came in.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is not easy. We
can do it. We are Americans. We are Exceptional. We can do anything.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A careful analysis of the Holy Bible will show that God only
ever had one use for government: To
torture and murder Jesus. That is an
exceptionally important lesson that has been lost. Actually it wasn’t lost, it has been buried. It was hidden by the priests who were the only
ones allowed to read the text and tell the stories to the peasants. It was obfuscated because the priests were
using government to gain power and they weren’t about to allow anything to curb
their power lust. Today it is outright
denied by so-called “progressives” who only live to push others around and
cause others grief. Funny how the “anti-bullying”
crowd are some of the worst bullies in the world. Well, it isn’t exactly “funny”…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The biblical lesson is a bit too subtle for most people so
another text was published by Sir Thomas More in 1516 called “Utopia.” It is doubtful anyone reading this has
actually read the book, and guaranteed nobody has read it in the original Latin. I tried to read the book myself when I was in
high school, right after I had to read the book “1984” for my English class,
and I couldn’t finish it because it terrified me. I couldn’t finish “The Shining” for the same
reason. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The book describes the island nation of Utopia,
theoretically the perfect place. It was
quite clear to me before the end of the first chapter that Utopia is a prison: The cruelest, meanest, wickedest, inhuman
prison possible. It turns out it was the
model for the penal colony that became the nation of Australia.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How the term “Utopia” entered our lexicon as an ideal world
or country, as someplace we should all want to live in, and should all be
striving to achieve is beyond me. The
only explanation I can come up with is that “progressives” pervert
everything. Occam’s razor strikes again. Both “Utopia” and “1984” were written as
cautionary tales. “Progressives” use
both books as instruction manuals. Thus we
have the horrible condition of not only our country but the entire world.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have to learn this lesson too.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is not easy. We
can do it. We are Americans. We are Exceptional. We can do anything.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
America was great because America was good. America was good because America was
free. As our freedom was eroded, our
goodness diminished. As our goodness diminished
our greatness faded. As our greatness
faded our leadership dissolved. The
entire world is suffering from a lack of American leadership.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have to reclaim our freedom from the intellectual,
elitist, snob, bigot, tyrants that stole our freedoms from us. As our freedom is reclaimed, our goodness
will grow. As our goodness grows, our
greatness will flourish. As our
greatness flourishes, our leadership will once again be restored. We will then be able to lead the world to a
much better, much more prosperous, with rising quality of life not just for our
own citizens but for all people all over the world.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
It will not be easy.
We can do it. We are Americans. We are Exceptional. We can do anything.<o:p></o:p></div>
John C. Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042034612594266108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689921750096299851.post-24557523555608110102015-07-18T23:03:00.001-07:002015-08-11T09:54:09.027-07:00The Donald got one thing wrong.Senator John McCain did indeed earn "War Hero" status with his service in the United States Navy and being a surviving prisoner of war (POW).<br />
Senator John McCain also pissed away every bit of honor he had ever earned with his (lack of) service in the United States Senate.<br />
I respect Lieutenant. Commander McCain.<br />
I loathe Senator McCain.John C. Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042034612594266108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689921750096299851.post-61773142927572592842014-07-24T15:50:00.001-07:002014-07-24T15:50:21.369-07:00A discussion on the 2nd amendmentThis is the start of a discussion on the 2nd amendment that I was assigned for my Humanities class:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am a big fan of the 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> amendment to the
Constitution of the United States of America.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am a supporter of the Constitution itself (</span><a href="http://www.constitution.org/constit_.htm"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.constitution.org/constit_.htm</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
), with the exception of the 16<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> amendment which I do follow but
also strongly believe should be repealed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have spent a lot of time studying the Constitution and the founders writings
including, but not limited to, the Federalist Papers (</span><a href="http://www.thefederalistpapers.org/federalist-papers"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.thefederalistpapers.org/federalist-papers</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
), the Anti-Federalist<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Papers(</span><a href="http://www.thefederalistpapers.org/anti-federalist-papers"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.thefederalistpapers.org/anti-federalist-papers</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
), and James Madison’s notes from the convention (</span><a href="http://nhccs.org/Mnotes.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://nhccs.org/Mnotes.html</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> ).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Contrary to the claims of many the 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup>
amendment is not about hunting, it is about defense:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>defense of self; defense of family; defense
of community; defense of country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In all
of the history of mankind there have only been two outcomes from disarming the
populace:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1) innocent people are
slaughtered wholesale; 2) the populace is enslaved by government.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are the only two outcomes from
disarmament and, as such, are the only two possible motivations for
disarmament.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyone that is trying to
disarm the people is either: a) trying to get millions of innocent people
killed, or b) trying to enslave the people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Gun bans do not make people safer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Australia passed a near total gun ban in 1997
and crime rates skyrocketed (</span><a href="http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2974487/posts"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2974487/posts</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
) (</span><a href="http://www.worldpublicunion.org/2013-04-05-NEWS-australian-gun-ban-resulted-in-higher-crime-rates.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.worldpublicunion.org/2013-04-05-NEWS-australian-gun-ban-resulted-in-higher-crime-rates.html</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Great Britain has had tight firearm
controls since WW2 and in 1997 banned handguns with predictably bad results (</span><a href="http://www.bizpacreview.com/2013/10/19/report-the-truth-about-british-gun-control-crime-statistics-85530"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.bizpacreview.com/2013/10/19/report-the-truth-about-british-gun-control-crime-statistics-85530</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
) and now has people being carved up in the streets with butcher knives (</span><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/22/world/europe/uk-london-attack/index.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/22/world/europe/uk-london-attack/index.html</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chicago has some of the strictest
firearm restrictions and a violent crime rate that is nearly double the
national average (</span><a href="http://www.cityrating.com/crime-statistics/illinois/chicago.html#.U8wDXixOXVI"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.cityrating.com/crime-statistics/illinois/chicago.html#.U8wDXixOXVI</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
) and Washington DC with similarly restrictive gun laws is not much better (</span><a href="http://www.cityrating.com/crime-statistics/district-of-columbia/washington.html#.U8wDmSxOXVI"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.cityrating.com/crime-statistics/district-of-columbia/washington.html#.U8wDmSxOXVI</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Compare this to Kennesaw, GA that
passed a (ridiculous and totally unenforceable) law in 1982 that required every
home to have a gun in it and it has a violent crime rate less than half the national
average (</span><a href="http://www.cityrating.com/crime-statistics/georgia/kennesaw.html#.U8wD-CxOXVI"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.cityrating.com/crime-statistics/georgia/kennesaw.html#.U8wD-CxOXVI</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, Kennesaw technically has a
lower crime rate than the town I live in, but then I live in a town of 450
people and we have one family that likes to beat each other up, occasionally
shoot each other, and has some rather unsavory associates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Many people claim that private citizens have no need to be
armed because the police will protect them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is a fallacy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Supreme
Court and lower courts have made multiple rulings that state the police have no
obligation whatsoever to protect people (</span><a href="http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1976377/posts"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1976377/posts</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
) and (</span><a href="http://www.endtimesreport.com/NO_AFFIRMATIVE_DUTY.htm"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.endtimesreport.com/NO_AFFIRMATIVE_DUTY.htm</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact an innocent person is by far
more likely to be killed by a police officer than to be protected by one (</span><a href="http://www.innocentdown.org/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.innocentdown.org/</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> ).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Another fallacy is that gun free zones make people
safer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gun Free School Zones Act</i> was passed in 1990 originally as part of
the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Crime Control Act of 1990</i> (</span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun-Free_School_Zones_Act_of_1990"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun-Free_School_Zones_Act_of_1990</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
) and the results have been predictably disastrous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just a brief look at mass shootings since
1999<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(</span><a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/mass-shootings-central-american-history-article-1.1457514"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/mass-shootings-central-american-history-article-1.1457514</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
) shows that there were 30 mass shootings of which 7 were in schools and 11
were in other “Gun Free Zones” (churches, government buildings and private
facilities clearly marked as Gun Free Zones).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is no mention of intended mass shootings that were thwarted by an
armed private citizen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gun Free Zones
were clearly created to get innocent people killed (</span><a href="http://www.guns.com/2014/05/21/are-gun-free-zones-really-murder-magnets-video/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.guns.com/2014/05/21/are-gun-free-zones-really-murder-magnets-video/</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the near orgasmic responses of
Senator Diane Feinstein, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the bulk of the news media
after the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre, it is quite clear that this is
true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These “progressives” spun
themselves like whirling dervishes into a frothing frenzy counting the dead
bodies, celebrating the perpetrator, and exploiting the victims and their
families.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The media response was even more
revolting than the slaughter of those innocent children, if you can imagine
that being possible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One completely misguided argument I often hear is that the
founders had no way of imagining modern firearms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This may be true from the straight technology
standpoint, but only in the same sense they could not imagine computers,
vaccinations, antibiotics, or the light bulb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In the founder’s day private citizens owned cannons and there were some
multi-barrel gun carriages that could fire as rapidly as any modern sporting
rifle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the Revolutionary War the
assault rifle of choice was the Brown Bess (</span><a href="http://footguards.tripod.com/01ABOUT/01_weapons/01_WpBess.htm"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://footguards.tripod.com/01ABOUT/01_weapons/01_WpBess.htm</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
), which was not actually a “rifle” per-se because it was a smoothbore (like a
shotgun) and had no rifling in the barrel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hunting rifles of the day were 32 to 50 caliber (.32” to .50” ball) with
rifled barrels, mostly leaning to the smaller size, and took 2 minutes or so to
load per shot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Brown Bess is a 75
caliber (.75” ball) musket that could be loaded 2, 3 or more times per minute
in the hands of a skilled shooter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
is a fourfold increase in rate of fire with a ball that weighs 2 to 4 times as
much as the hunting rifle projectile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These things were devastating in battle and every male between the age
of 18 and 60 was expected to either have one or access to one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The founders had certainly seen the
improvements of many machines and the older ones had seen the introduction of the
Brown Bess as an improvement over its predecessor, so they certainly
anticipated great improvements to firearms in the future, even if they didn’t
know exactly what those improvements would be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am an avid shooter, a firearms instructor, a range safety
officer, and a gunsmith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I haven’t
hunted since I was 18 although I fully support those who do, I just find it to
be a pain in the posterior and have better things to do with my time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As an engineer I am fascinated by firearms for
the machines they are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also recognize
that as machines they have no soul and no will of their own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are tools that can be used for good,
evil or no moral purpose at all, as in the case of target shooting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How the tool is used entirely up to the
person wielding the tool and what their intent is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In one of the killings in the above listed
article a hammer was used to kill and in two others knives were used as
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is entirely up to the person as
to what they will do with any given implement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">While I oppose virtually all gun control legislation, I am
all in favor of the National Instant Check System (NICS) that was instituted as
part of the Federal Assault Weapons Ban in 1994 (</span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Assault_Weapons_Ban"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Assault_Weapons_Ban</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the “background check” system
that is used when private citizens purchase firearms from licensed
dealers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do have a serious problem
with mental health in this country and I would like that information to be
included in the NICS system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a
provision for it, but it is optional and many states simply do not submit the
information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a large call for
this check to be expanded to all gun sales, but in order for that to actually
be functional would require gun registration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That worked out oh so well for Germany in the 1930’s now didn’t it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any information the government has will be
misused for political purposes, look no further than the NSA (</span><a href="http://www.dailypolicyjournal.com/quick-summary-of-the-nsa-scandals-so-far/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.dailypolicyjournal.com/quick-summary-of-the-nsa-scandals-so-far/</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
) and IRS (</span><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/irs-scandal/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/irs-scandal/</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
) scandals for proof.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would however
like to see the NICS system to be opened up so private citizens could
optionally use the system when they sell a firearm, although I’m not certain
how to make that work and still protect privacy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I personally have only sold 4 firearms and I
sold them to people I knew and knew were of no danger to anyone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am in favor of expanding the number of people that are
legally carrying concealed pistols.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
also believe that this responsibility requires some training on an ongoing
basis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no such thing as too
much training and I consider it to be the responsible thing to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I personally legally carry a pistol wherever
it is not prohibited and I make it a point to get at least one professional
training class per year, sometimes more, as part of my obligation of concealed
carry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also teach classes for this
purpose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some people claim that the 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> amendment is old,
outdated and no longer relevant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of
those same people say the same thing about the entire Constitution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I disagree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I believe the 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> amendment, and the entire Constitution for
that matter, is as relevant, if not more, than the day the Constitution and the
Bill of Rights were ratified.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
John C. Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042034612594266108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689921750096299851.post-24856900420287695482014-04-26T09:49:00.000-07:002014-04-26T09:49:03.023-07:00What happened to my Asteroid? Section 72:
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tim and Sam
entered the bridge of the Albatross from the airlock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Almost nobody noticed until Ensign Zhou
spotted the admirals’ dress uniforms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Admirals
on deck!” he announced loudly and nervously.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“As you
were!” Tim announced.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Commander
Johnson!” Sam addressed the commander.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes Ma’am.”
He looked around to both of them “Sir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ma’am. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sir. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ma’am?” he was very confused.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Take it
easy sailor.” Sam addressed the commander “You haven’t ever seen us in uniform.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“And there
is a reason for that.” Tim added.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But
that is not why we are here now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I don’t
understand.” He looked really lost.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You don’t
have to.” Sam looked squarely at him and extended a small box. “Captain Calhoun
is going home and this station needs a new captain.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Congratulations
Captain Johnson!” Tim extended his hand “On your promotion and your new
command.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sam opened
the box to reveal the eagles to the new captain with a big smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The new
captain looked down to the box and smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He looked back up to Sam “Thank you Ma’am!” and then looked to Tim “Sir!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tim took one
of the eagles out of the box, pulled the oak cluster from the new captain’s
left collar and punched the eagle into that collar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sam took the other oak cluster from the new
captain’s right collar and replaced it with the other eagle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simultaneously Tim and Sam punched down on
the eagles to press them into the captain’s uniform and make sure he knew the
responsibilities he now had.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tim and Sam
both saluted the new captain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Congratulations
Captain.” Tim stated with a smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Take care
of your station and your crew.” Sam looked directly at him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I will
indeed, Ma’am.” He looked to Tim “Sir.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Very Well.”
Tim released his salute. “We need to get going.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“And don’t
tell the Reykjavik quite yet.” Sam winked at Captain Johnson “We have a
surprise for them too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes Ma’am.”
He was still processing his promotion. He turned around to his staff “Ok
people, let’s get this station back to operational status.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tim and Sam
entered the Reykjavik from the airlock in their space suits dragging their bags
with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The yeoman led them to their
quarters without checking much else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
pair just trudged along to the compartment and went in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They stowed their bags quickly and climbed
out of their space suits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They checked
each other and squared their uniforms, and then exited the compartment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The yeoman froze a moment since she had no
idea they were admirals “Admiral … s.” She muttered hesitantly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes yeoman.”
Tim tried to sound reassuring.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Don’t
worry,” Sam chimed in “We don’t bite.” She smiled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We need to
go to the bridge.” Tim looked at the stunned yeoman.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Of course,”
she slowly got back to business “right this way Sir, Ma’am.” She turned and
launched down the zero G passageway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tim
and Sam followed her to the bridge and stopped at the airlock.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We can take
it from here yeoman.” Sam grabbed the airlock handle “You’re dismissed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes Ma’am,
Sir.” She spun around and drifted back down the passageway as Tim and Sam
entered the airlock.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">They scanned
the bridge as they were entering it, checking the operations and how well the crew
worked together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gwen and Kim were
talking to Commander Dunst at the navigating station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gwen looked up and saw Tim and Sam in full
dress uniforms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She announced “Admirals
on deck!” and saluted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone in the
compartment turned to look and saluted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“As you
were.” Tim announced as they both finished their return salutes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Commander
Dunst.” Sam addressed the commander. “This ship is down one captain and will be
for some time.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“That is not
a workable situation,” Tim added “As you are no doubt aware.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes Sir, Ma’am.”
The commander responded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sam took a
box out of her pocket and opened it to reveal the shiny eagles inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Congratulations <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Captain,” She smiled “On your promotion and
new command.” She picked up one of the eagles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We expect
you will be able to run this ship as tight as Captain Grind did.” He picked up
the other eagle and the two of them removed the oak clusters from the new
captain’s collar, replaced them with the eagles they then punched down just
hard enough that the pin tips just tapped his skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some naval traditions will never die.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Alright
Captain,” Tim pointed out the forward observation port “Let’s get this beast
underway.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We’re going
to need a compartment to work in.” Sam pointed out “But first we need to get
out of these uniforms.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Of
course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll get one allocated.” He
turned to his lieutenant “set aside one of the conference rooms with an
observation port on the same side as our unusual cargo.” He turned back to the
admirals “I’ll send you the compartment number to your quarters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You probably want to grab a quick shower on
your way.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“That we
will.” Sam smiled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Gwen, Kim,
we will meet you in there and get our strategy figured out.” Tim looked
slightly serious.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes sir.”
Gwen responded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Very well,”
Tim saluted the new captain “Carry on.” Sam saluted as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They both spun around and left through the
airlock.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As they
drifted down the passage way Sam asked “Do you think they will mind if we take
a little extra time getting there?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“They are
going to have to.” And they both laughed a little.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
Reykjavik slowly accelerated away from Albatross station towing the unusual
cargo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The shuttle was towing from the
opposite side to balance the thrust and keep the asteroid clear of the
thrusters of both ships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They headed off
on the 8 month journey to get back to earth quietly in the dark emptiness of
space.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-71.html">Previous</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-1.html">Beginning of Story</a>John C. Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042034612594266108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689921750096299851.post-13100575777178474932014-04-25T10:26:00.001-07:002014-04-26T09:49:25.974-07:00What happened to my Asteroid? Section 71:<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We’re
gonna’ do WHAT?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Commander Dunst shouted
into the radio.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“The orders
and plans are clear and there is no real danger.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Commander Venkataraman tried to reassure
Commander Dunst.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“What do you
mean ‘no real danger’?” He demanded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Nothing
happened until we started fiddling with the first one.” She insisted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“So we are
going to drag this one back home?” He really couldn’t believe what he was being
told.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“How?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“It is all
in the detailed orders I just sent you, but basically you hook up the cables to
the ships and guide it back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The experts
will take it from there.” Her tone was almost condescending.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Alright,
we’ll get rigged up for it.” The commander got back to a professional attitude.
“Who is going to connect things up?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Our crew
will take care of it.” Commander Venkataraman checked the progress “They’ll be
hooking things up in about 15 minutes.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Alright,
we’ll be ready.” He was a bit uneasy but figured they would handle the
connection “What about the trip back?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do
we have enough data and instructions?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“The rigging
crew is going back with you, and so are our experts on the subject so you will
be well staffed in case of problems.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Is that the
same team that launched the first one through the station?” He sounded a bit
sarcastic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“The very
ones.” She tried to play with the other commander “At least they know what not
to do.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Well then
at least we have that going for us.” He wasn’t very confident. “We’ll contact
back when the ships are rigged.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Acknowledged
Reykjavik.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Albatross out.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sam was back
outside, standing at the very aft end of the shuttle watching the approach to
the Reykjavik.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wasn’t even
completely dry but was thankful for the shower and being able to clean her
space suit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After 6 hours the suits get
pretty rank and she was going to have to spend several more hours in her suit
to get the cargo hooked up for transport back to base.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Alright
Tim, that looks about right.” She was checking the distances and the
orientation between the ships. “Bring the probe up close to the back of the
Reykjavik so I don’t have to haul the cables too far.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Will do.”
He started maneuvering the probe “I’m going to drift the shuttle a little
closer to close the distance you have to travel.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I
appreciate it.” She raised the camera and focused on the probe “Don’t get too
close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you crash it that will make
things difficult.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I won’t
crash it.” He was slightly annoyed “I want you back inside as quickly as
possible.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Don’t
forget you need to top off the fuel tanks.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Oh yeah, I
had almost forgotten” He quickly checked the cable orientations and the
location of fueling connections on the ship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He had to plot carefully to avoid tangling the tow cables and shredding
Sam.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’ll get
that done while you are hooking up the tow lines.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I thought
you might need the reminder.” She smiled to herself as she launched off the
shuttle toward the probe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let’s get
this done and get underway.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The shuttle
passed the asteroid and the two waved at each other as they set about their
tasks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’ll see
you on the Albatross.” Tim blew a kiss to Sam through the observation port.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“That’s
right, we have to stop there next.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
blew a kiss back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-70.html">Previous</a> <a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-72.html">Next</a> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-1.html">Beginning of Story</a></o:p></div>
John C. Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042034612594266108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689921750096299851.post-79403333482286556092014-04-13T09:02:00.001-07:002014-04-25T10:26:49.700-07:00What happened to my Asteroid? Section 70:<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Reykjavik,
this is Albatross.” Commander Venkataraman called the ship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Go ahead,
Albatross” Lieutenant Trace responded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We are
preparing to send your captain back to you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She punched some buttons to send them critical information “You need to
have proper medical facilities available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And you need to have them for our captain too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“What do you
mean ‘for your captain too’?” the Lieutenant was a bit confused.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Both of
them are in medically induced comas.” The station commander quelled her
emotions “And will likely need to be for the trip back to base.” She paused
“You will also need to make accommodations for our captain’s wife and the
admiral.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Will do
Albatross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When will they be
transferred?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lt Trace started calling
up berthing assignments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“The
captains are being loaded into the transport now, so expect them in 20
minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are still hunting down the
admiral but it should be within the hour.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You lost
the admiral?” the lieutenant was confused now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You will
understand shortly.” The commander jested.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Lieutenant!”
the navigator panicked and shouted “That other one is moving!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“What?” the
lieutenant looked at the monitor “Put it on the big screen!” he activated the
radio “Commander, take a look at that thing.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Will do
Reykjavik, Albatross out.” The commander almost lost her cool.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sam entered
the shuttle cabin from the airlock and closed the door behind her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She took off her helmet and shook her head
around to free up her hair.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Help me get
out of this thing.” She announced to Tim “I need a shower!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Just a
minute.” He fiddled with his console, plotting the path to the ship. “It sounds
like somebody figured out we’re doing something out here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Alright, just
don’t take too long, I’m itchy!” She was grumpy as she started opening up her
space suit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Albatross,
this is shuttle 2.” Tim announced into the radio.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Go ahead
shuttle 2, and make it brief we have a situation here.” The voice was near
panic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We are
moving the second asteroid to be towed back to base by the Reykjavik.” Tim
calmly stated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“YOU’RE
WHAT?” the voice was clearly in disbelief.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“The orders
have been entered into the log.” Tim gave the operator a minute to get a grasp
on reality. “We are moving slowly and will get configured for towing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The flight plan is linked in the log, just
keep everyone calm and this will go smoothly.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Does the
Reykjavik know about this?” the junior officer really didn’t know what to do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“They will
when you tell them.” Tim paused just to make the poor girl sweat a bit. “All of
the orders are linked in the log.” He was being reassuring now “Forward the
flight plan and the order, and let both crews know quickly to minimize the
panic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Admiral’s full orders are
attached in the log.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Acknowledged.”
The officer regrouped herself “We will get that forwarded and the message disseminated.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Very well,
we will see you in 30 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shuttle 2
out.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He breathed a sigh of relief as he
unlocked himself from the console and tumbled toward Sam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ok Sam, let’s get you out of that suit.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You’re
going to have to help me get clean too.” She smiled at him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I wouldn’t
have it any other way.” He grabbed her and kissed her lightly on the nose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-69.html">Previous</a> <a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-1.html">Next</a><br />
<a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-1.html">Beginning of Story</a>John C. Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042034612594266108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689921750096299851.post-76016449212157799472014-04-12T08:06:00.002-07:002014-04-13T09:03:27.305-07:00What happened to my Asteroid? Section 69:<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Albatross,
this is Reykjavik.” Commander Dunst signaled the station.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Go ahead
Reykjavik.” Commander Johnson replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Let’s not
try that again anytime soon.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
commander on the ship suggested.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Agreed.”
The commander on the station got a bit of relief.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“How long
until that shuttle can bring us our captain?” Commander<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dunst wanted to have everything prepared.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“That’s not
the limiting factor.” Commander Johnson hesitated “Both of our captains are in
surgery right now, and we have been told that we have to wait.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Wait for
what?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Wait for
what is indeed what we are waiting for.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Well that
is about the best I can expect.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Commander Dunst resigned himself to the realities of the situation “I’m
going to get some rest, I’m sure my crew can handle things for a while.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“That is
what I keep telling myself.” Commander Johnson was trying to reassure himself
as much as everyone else “I’m going to get some rest myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Talk to you in 4 hours.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“That’s a
date.” The ship commander lightened up “Just don’t tell my wife…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">They both
laughed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shuttle 2
slowly departed docking bay 5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With all
of the commotion on the station, very few people took notice or even
cared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The shuttle looped around the
station in a slow, lazy arc and headed toward the newly arrived block of “who
knows what” and accelerated toward it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The probe that was still attached to the asteroid activated and started
moving around to a pulling position.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The slow
dance of two small craft docking in the vastness of space can be
breathtaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For all of the strength
built in to space faring vessels, they are incredibly fragile when the velocity
and energy levels involved are considered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The shuttle
gently pulled next to the probe and came to a relative stop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Go for it,”
Tim told Sam “Get that probe refueled!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sam launched
herself off the shuttle with the fueling hoses in hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She hadn’t done this in a long time so she
was running the checklist like a rookie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She assumed the right stance and had the hoses in the right position,
sweated the entire transition and even relieved herself along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her contact with the probe was nearly
perfect, the connection of the fueling lines was textbook.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Fill ‘er
up!” Sam announced.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Topping off
with premium.” Tim played back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“How long do
you think it will take for anyone to notice what we are doing out here?” Sam
pondered as she looked toward the station.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Probably
not until we are connecting the cables to the Reykjavik.” They both laughed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-68.html">Previous</a><o:p> <a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-70.html">Next</a></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-1.html">Beginning of Story</a></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
John C. Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042034612594266108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689921750096299851.post-54787776375240807162014-04-10T09:14:00.002-07:002014-04-12T08:07:16.401-07:00What happened to my Asteroid? Section 68:<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
Reykjavik slowly approached the station while rotating around to point back
toward Earth and to align the docking arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Albatross was not quite stabilized yet but the process was working.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately stabilizing the station for
docking and finishing the cargo transfer was consuming a lot of fuel, although
the time saved to complete the resupply would be well worth it in the long run.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Transports
buzzed around the station collecting cargo containers and searching for
survivors or at least bodies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The large
ship slowly maneuvered into position along side the crippled station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The station had a slight wobble due to the
imbalance caused by a missing section of one of the rings, but it wasn’t too
bad. The ship extended her docking arms and slowly moved them in between the
rings toward the docking ports on the main hull of the station.<br />
Station personnel watched the operation from every viewport that could see it
and monitored very closely on their computer consoles from the cameras
available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ship had personnel
watching from every possible place including several people in space suits
standing on the hull outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each
docking arm had a couple of people standing at the end of the fixes section of
the docking arms and another pair at the end of the telescoping section.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Transport craft were stationed at critical
observation positions between the ship and the station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nobody was taking any chances and all
operations were going slowly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The two
craft slowly intermeshed with the docking arms of the supply ship moving
between the rotating rings of the station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Personnel on both vessels tried to behave as if this was a routine
operation but there wasn’t a single person that actually believed it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the docking arms approached the docking
ports the observing operators waved hand signals to each other indicating their
observations of the approach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Communications channels between the two craft were saturated almost to
the point of being unusable so hand signals between the crew members was the
best method.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The docking
arms finally latched to their corresponding ports.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The crew of both vessels breathed a
collective sigh of relief as resupply operations finally resumed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-68.html">Previous</a> <a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-69.html">Next</a><br />
<a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-1.html">Beginning of Story</a>John C. Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042034612594266108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689921750096299851.post-48299796014652186932014-04-09T20:41:00.003-07:002014-04-10T09:14:49.988-07:00What happened to my Asteroid? Section 67: <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Shuttle 2
is docking now.” Kim looked across the compartment “And they have our wayward
captains.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“How are
they?” Gwen didn’t look up and was trying to keep calm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“They’re
both unconscious, and apparently are pretty beat up.” Kim looked back down to
her console “I have a medical team waiting for them.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Good.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gwen looked up for a moment “How many are
still missing?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We only
have two unaccounted for.” Kim quickly checked another list “The bad part is we
have 6 dead.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“That’s not
bad considering we were hit by a large missile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How much of the ring is gone?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“The spokes
look to be undamaged but the section between them is completely destroyed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Lab 4,
Bridge.” The intercom lit up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Go ahead
bridge.” Kim switched the hologram to show the station in its current damaged
form.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We have a
possible solution to stabilizing the station and we want you to run some
numbers for us.” Commander Johnson was a bit anxious “We really need to get the
Reykjavik docked to finish the resupply.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Send us the
data.” Kim cleared her console for some new calculations “We’ll get right on
it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“How long
before we can get the transports back outside?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“They are
being refueled and the new crews are briefing now.” Kim quickly sent him the
schedule and the assignments “I’m sending the schedule now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first transport will launch in 20
minutes.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Very good.”
Commander Johnson hesitated for a minute “How long before the shuttle can
launch again?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“The crew is
assisting the medical team move the victims to sick bay.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked at the progress report “And then
the crew needs at least 4 hours rest before they launch again.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“That
works.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us know when you have your
assessment of our solution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Reykjavik will be in position in less than an hour.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Will do
Bridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lab 4 out.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Gwen looked
across the compartment “He really doesn’t want to complete the resupply by
transport, does he?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“No.” Kim
looked back “Neither do I, and you shouldn’t either.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I
don’t.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gwen looked back to her console
“I’m plotting the tow plan to hook up that other asteroid for towing by the
Reykjavik.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well take it back to base
where we will have better facilities to deal with it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“What do you
mean ‘we’?” Kim sounded suspicious.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You’re
coming with us.” Gwen kept working on her console “We need your help and your
knowledge with this.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“But my
place is here!” Kim was slightly miffed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Admirals’
orders.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-66.html">Previous</a> <a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-68.html">Next</a></span></o:p></div>
<a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-1.html">Beginning of Story</a>John C. Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042034612594266108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689921750096299851.post-46974855829338697852014-04-08T14:07:00.001-07:002014-04-09T20:42:14.975-07:00What happened to my Asteroid? Section 66:<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
Reykjavik looped around and headed back toward Albatross station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The station itself was shaking with an odd
wobble caused by the missing ring section as the thrusters fought to stabilize
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shuttle 2 lead the train of craft
from the errant asteroids prior location toward the station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every ship was actively searching for
survivors in the path left by the activated missile and the crippled station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ships fanned out to form a search grid
for maximum coverage of the area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
was a normal procedure that all of the pilots and commanders involved needed
very little coordination to make it happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was very good that coordination from the station because the station
personnel were completely occupied with stabilizing the station and locating
those that were missing within it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Shuttle 2,
this is Reykjavik.” Commander Dunst wanted to synchronize with the other ships.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Go ahead
Reykjavik.” Tim was slowing the shuttle to make it easier for all of the
observers to scan the area.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We will not
be able to dock with the station unless they can stabilize it.” The commander
sounded worried “And our schedule is getting tight.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“That much
is obvious.” Tim sounded confident “We’ll get a schedule figured out for the
transports to handle the remaining cargo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The real problem is the fuel and oxidizer.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We don’t
have to fully dock to hook up the hoses.” He was not confident “It is very
risky but I think we can get it done.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Very well.”
Tim was maneuvering the shuttle around toward one of the survivors “We’re going
to finish the sweep and dock ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’ll contact you when we are ready for the next phase.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Alright, we’ll
discuss it then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reykjavik out.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Ok Sam.”
Tim rolled the shuttle over to give her a better view and a shorter distance to
travel “Get you lasso ready, we’re coming up on a survivor.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-65.html">Previous</a> <a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-1.html">Next</a></span></o:p></div>
<a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-1.html">Beginning of Story</a>John C. Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042034612594266108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689921750096299851.post-86743917546733862072014-04-07T13:00:00.001-07:002014-04-08T14:07:30.196-07:00What happened to my Asteroid? Section 65:<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Captain
Calhoun looked up from his workstation out toward the incoming asteroid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was the moment he realized where it was
going to impact the station: The very conference room he was sitting in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That impact was going to be very, very soon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Captain,”
Captain Calhoun was remarkably calm “The universe is about to go pear shaped on
us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Captain
Grind looked up just in time to see the asteroid impact the station directly
below their feet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The icy
missile impacted the station on the outer edge of the forward spinning ring,
almost perfectly centered on the conference room the two captains were settled
in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The station was moving away from the
path but didn’t move fast enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
impact caused a yaw to the station making it spin away from the trajectory of
the asteroid and saved the second, larger ring while devastating the section of
the first ring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This section was mostly
conference rooms and storage that were currently unoccupied except for the one
where the captains were located.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The segment
between the spokes disintegrated in a cloud of debris.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chunks of hull and various supplies plumed
around as the station rotated out of the path of the asteroid accelerating
along its undetermined path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The station
held together but the people on board were jolted around and beat up inside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The asteroid
continued to accelerate toward the center of the solar system as if nothing was
in its way leaving a trail of ice and station debris.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Sam!” Tim shouted into the radio “Who are we
looking for?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’ve got
four people in space suits drifting away from that mess.” She made a quick scan
without the camera “When do we get the last of the miners on board?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“The last
one just entered the airlock.” Tim tried to calm down “So hang on, we are
headed for the station.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’m
strapped down.” Sam wanted to be reassuring “So just hit it and I’ll be with
you!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Albatross
Station this is Shuttle 2.” Tim announced on the radio “We have picked up 7 miners,
we are currently tracking 4 suits in the station debris field and we are
heading in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have we missed anyone?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Commander
Johnson replied to the shuttle “Shuttle 2, Albatross station.” He was rattled
and nervous, but he projected the command confidence “We are working to
stabilize the station so be warned we may be a bit unpredictable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We show four people confirmed outside of the
station and 10 un-accounted for at this time.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Acknowledged,
Albatross.” Tim set the cameras to scan the affected area “We will keep our
eyes open for anyone floating around.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Shuttle 2,
be advised.” Commander Johnson was a bit hesitant “Captain Calhoun and Captain
Grind were in the compartment that was hit.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Acknowledged,
Albatross.” Tim had to pause a minute “We will keep that in mind as we sweep for
survivors.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-64.html">Previous</a> <a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-1.html">Next</a></span></o:p></div>
<a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-1.html">Beginning of Story</a>John C. Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042034612594266108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689921750096299851.post-23764746476589525922014-04-06T11:09:00.001-07:002014-04-07T13:00:58.871-07:00What happened to my Asteroid? Section 64:<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sam stood at
the edge of the aft end of the shuttle hull.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Her magnetic boots were firmly locked to clean pads on the hull.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had two safety lines connected:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a long one attached at the airlock and a
shorter one secured to a structural beam a couple of meters behind her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked out over the glow of the thrusters
slowing the ship and its cargo to gaze toward the station and the missile
headed straight for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She positioned
the camera to zoom in on the region between the station and the Reykjavik.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“The
Reykjavik is clear and away,” Sam told Tim “She should be safe now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“That’s good
to hear.” Tim idly responded since he was quite busy with the deceleration
procedure “How long do you expect before impact?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“No more
than 5 minutes.” She shifted the camera back to the station “It is only going
to hit the rings, the main body is safe for now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“There are
more people in the rings than the main body most of the time.” Tim was clearly
only partially thinking about that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I am aware
of that,” Sam sounded a bit annoyed “I expect the captain has figured that out
too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’m sure he
has.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“How long
until we can cut loose from this thing?” Sam wanted to get into the rescue
effort as soon as they could.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We just
did.” Tim was relieved in one sense but tense in another “Watch for the cables
as I reel them in and get us spun around.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He paused for a moment “You know we have to
rescue the miners first, right?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes, I
know.” Sam was worried about the station “So let’s go get them while I record
the station.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’m going
to need your help in finding those people.” Tim insisted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Then let me
know when we get close and I’ll help out.” She was annoyed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Ok.” Tim
went back to pilot mode “We’re coming around so hang on.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Will do.”
Sam looked around and adjusted as the ship changed attitude.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The shuttle
swung around toward the ice cloud left by the asteroid as the tow cables were
retracted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beacon strobes signaled in
front of the shuttle as the craft carefully navigated through the debris.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-63.html">Previous</a> <a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-65.html">Next</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-1.html">Beginning of Story</a></span></span>John C. Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042034612594266108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689921750096299851.post-70805625941343494452014-04-05T10:56:00.001-07:002014-04-06T11:09:41.608-07:00What happened to my Asteroid? Section 63:<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Commander
Johnson,” Ensign Zhou announced “The Reykjavik has just cleared the station.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Very well,
Ensign.” The commander checked his console and activated the radio “Reykjavik,
we show you clear of the station, retract those docking arms and maneuver
clear.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Acknowledged,
Albatross.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Commander Dunst nervously
replied “We will clear and stand by.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Alright
people,” Commander Johnson announced in his best command voice “We are about to
be hit by a very large object.” He scanned the compartment “That means we need
to be ready for every possible problem that it could cause.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t know exactly where we are going to
be hit, or how big that impact will be, so we need everyone on this station
ready for the worst.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Check and double
check every airlock, line-lock, safety bulkhead, space suit, and anything else
you can think of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep your heads and
work the problem.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The murmur
in the compartment settled into a controlled cadence of status requests and
acknowledgements, control checks and responses, checklist verifications and
clarifications.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the finely tuned
controlled chaos the space corps was known for.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Bridge,
this is the captain.” The intercom announced.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Go ahead,
captain.” Commander Johnson switched his attention.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I would
like the latest feed from our intrepid travelers on Shuttle 2.” The captain
knew the stress the commander was under.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Feeding
that through to you now, captain.” The commander quickly entered the commands
to feed the information to the captain. “Is there anything you would like to
request for your meals?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to get
everything staged up.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Now that
you mention it,” the captain responded lightly “We would like the lobster for
the next meal with a light chardonnay and the Fillet Mignon with a hearty
zinfandel after that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Acknowledged,”
the commander confirmed “E-Rats meals 5 and 6 are on their way.” He held back a
laugh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Very well,
commander.” The captain went back to business “Get every compartment supplied
and the station sealed up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have 20
minutes at most.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That thing is still
accelerating, so get this station ready for ‘God knows what’.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Aye, Sir!”
the commander sounded confident but was shaking in his suit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-62.html">Previous</a> <a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-64.html">Next</a></span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-1.html">Beginning of Story</a></o:p></div>
John C. Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042034612594266108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689921750096299851.post-6202743399810545742014-04-04T09:07:00.000-07:002014-04-05T10:56:33.174-07:00What happened to my Asteroid? Section 62:<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The docking
clamps connecting the Reykjavik’s docking arms to the station released.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The arms started to retract.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fuel and oxidizer lines released and sprayed
a small amount of their precious fluids out in to space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thrusters on the Reykjavik fired off to
full thrust directly away from the station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The station’s thrusters fired to push directly away from the ship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The two vessels slowly started to drift
apart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cargo
containers drifted out of both the station and the docking arms as they
retracted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The empty cargo containers in
the forward arm were already heading for the ship and the direction of the
conveyors on the aft arm were reversed, but emergency retraction of the arms
was faster than the conveyors so some of the containers would be lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a calculated loss for serious
situations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The ship had
substantially lower mass and much more thrust available so it was accelerating
away from the station much faster than the station could move.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Observers on
both vessels watched as the arms disengaged from the gaps between the rotating
sections of the station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone
watched the critical distances between the moving objects for the slightest
movement toward each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This wasn’t
a routine docking operation, it was an emergency separation to move out of the
way of a dangerous object accelerating in their path and the possibility of
error was high.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The asteroid
continued to accelerate toward the station, shedding ice, miners and transports
along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ice formed a cloud
around the path in its wake and the glow from the back end lit the cloud up
like a nebulae.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a breathtaking
sight for anyone not in immediate danger from an uncontrolled missile of
unknown origin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately the miners
and the transport pilots did not have the luxury of being able to appreciate
this magnificent sight, they were too busy trying to stay alive and find each
other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cloud was thick with mostly
fine particles, so there wasn’t a collision hazard as much as there was almost
no visibility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beacons and radio
contacts were all they had to go by.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The lights
from the transport craft and the space suit emergency beacons added to the
nebulae look of the ice cloud. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tim and Sam
watched the spectacle on their monitors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The shuttle was pointed away from the station in braking configuration
to slow down their alien cargo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
very clear the asteroid was headed straight for the station and there was no
way the station would get out of the way in time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tim looked
to Sam “Get out there and record this.” He was serious.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We’ve got 3
cameras on it already.” She was hesitant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“But you’ll
be faster with a handheld camera, and we don’t know what is going to happen.”
He looked straight into her eyes. “Or who we’re going to have to find.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sam gulped
and launched herself toward the airlock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She understood the urgency and was, for once, actually thankful they
were already suited up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“And hang on
while you are out there.” Tim was clearly concerned “It is likely to get bumpy from
here in.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-61.html">Previous</a> <a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-63.html">Next</a><br />
<a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-1.html">Beginning of Story</a>John C. Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042034612594266108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689921750096299851.post-67560165910145208472014-04-03T09:40:00.001-07:002014-04-04T09:07:51.022-07:00What happened to my Asteroid? Section 61:<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Captain
Calhoun and Captain Grind were relaxing on either side of the conference table,
looking out of the viewport toward the front of the station observing
operations on the asteroid while sipping some scotch from Captain Calhoun’s
private selection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The chit chat was
light as the two captains let off some steam and had a few laughs with their
feet kicked up on the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a
luxury neither man got very often due to the responsibilities of command.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">They both
saw the cloud of ice erupt from the far end of the asteroid.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“What the
hell was that?” Captain Grind was startled.<br />
“Not good.” Captain Calhoun sat up in his chair and looked around toward the
information console on the rear wall.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The klaxons
and emergency lights kicked in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Oh Shit!”
Captain Calhoun jumped up and bounded to the space suit locker followed very
closely by Captain Grind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The two
quickly donned their suits, activated their enviro-packs and ran through the
safety checks on each other’s suits with quiet, smooth precision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These two were so incredibly familiar with
this procedure they could do it in their sleep and not miss a step.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this case they were far from asleep since
they both saw the threat, but that didn’t hinder them in the least as they were
absolute professionals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Alright
Captain,” Captain Grind spoke up “What next?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We can’t
risk moving through the station right now.” Captain Calhoun moved to the
conference table. “So this compartment just became a command deck.” He pressed
a button and two command consoles opened up on the conference table.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Has my ship
undocked yet?” Captain Grind moved to one of the consoles and strapped into the
chair.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“That would
have been the second step after hitting the panic button.” Captain Calhoun
strapped down into the chair at the other console. “So I expect you will be our
guest for a while.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The two
captains frantically started checking status of their respective commands and
the projected trajectories of all of the vessels in motion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“This isn’t
looking good.” Captain Grind looked up “I think my ship will get out of the way
but I’m not sure about this station.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“That is
what I am afraid of.” Captain Calhoun didn’t bother looking up, he just kept watching
status reports from every department.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-60.html">Previous</a> <a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-62.html">Next</a><br />
<a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-1.html">Beginning of Story</a>John C. Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042034612594266108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689921750096299851.post-55134303314388598302014-04-02T09:31:00.001-07:002014-04-03T09:40:27.425-07:00What happened to my Asteroid? Section 60:<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Transport 2
slowed to a relative stop over the contact pad on the asteroid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cargo door opened and the maintenance bot
drifted out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Bot is away
Albatross.” The pilot announced to the station.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Acknowledged,
Transport 2.” Commander Dickerson responded. “We’ll take it from here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Move to your assigned observation position
and link up.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Aye, Aye,
Albatross.” The pilot moved the transport to a higher altitude and off center
to afford a better camera angle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The bot
descended toward the contact pad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
grappling arm extended in the middle and three landing legs stretched out from
the sides as it rotated around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
slowed its approach as it neared the target.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The grappling arm grabbed to the mount point as the little craft rotated
to place the landing legs outside the contact pads and located between them as
it touched down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Bot is
down.” Kim looked over to Gwen “Ready for the first set of tests.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Alright,”
Gwen started punching buttons “Starting initial voltage tests between the pads,
star pattern.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">She
concentrated as the readings were displayed on the console for a few moments.
“Kim, come take a look at this.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Kim left her
console and floated across the compartment and stopped behind Gwen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What have you got?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Look at
these readings.” Gwen pointed to a couple of pairs. “Voltage and frequency appears
to be going up as impedance goes down across these sets of pads.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“It is not
consistent across all of those pairs.” Kim pointed to one set “This one seems
to have the greatest change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
impedance range did you use?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I started
at a gig ohm and brought it down to a mega ohm.” Gwen had the display order by
the amount of change and display the correspondence values.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Alright,
let’s run this pair again and slowly run it down to 100 kilo ohms, and watch
out for dangerous voltages.” Kim gestured down the list that showed no change.
“And then check this set again.” She headed back across the compartment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Alright my
little friend,” Gwen started programming in the test process “Let’s see what
you are up to.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kim strapped back down in front of her console
and called up the video feed from the observing transport.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Albatross
station, Shuttle 2.” Sam’s voice sounded slightly nervous.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Go ahead
Shuttle 2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What have you got?” Kim was
focusing on the bot, looking for anomalies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“This end of
your asteroid is starting to glow.” Sam was definitely concerned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Did you
just say it is glowing?” Kim was startled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Gwen looked across the compartment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes I
did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is the video feed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Kim quickly
punched up the feed to see the slightly blue tinted glow emanating from the end
of the object.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was slowly growing in
intensity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Gwen where are you in your
measurements?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Impedance
is 500 mega ohms, voltage is 90 volts and frequency is 125 hertz.” Gwen checked
the other pads “And pad 3 to pad 5 is showing 10 volts DC, no AC.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Ok, knock
it down another 100 mega ohms and re check the other pads.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kim set the screen to show both video feeds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The ice on
the far end of the asteroid erupted in a cloud blasting away and out from the
body.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Did you see
that?” Sam shouted through the radio.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Albatross,
that thing is moving!” The transport pilot was near panic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Kim looked
up and remembered the asteroid was lengthwise pointed directly at the station.
“Gwen…” Kim was very nervous now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Gwen cut her
off by punching the panic button for the station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The klaxons and emergency lights lit up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Suit up Kimmie!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And DO IT NOW!” Gwen shouted and then turned
to the radio “Reykjavik, Emergency Undock!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Unlock and blast clear of the station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Code Blue 5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is not a
drill.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She paused “Repeat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Emergency Undock!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unlock and blast clear of the station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Code Blue 5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is not a drill.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Gwen quickly
punched the command for the bot to disconnect then unstrapped and launched herself
toward her space suit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-59.html">Previous</a> <a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-61.html">Next</a></span></o:p></div>
<a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-1.html">Beginning of Story</a>John C. Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042034612594266108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689921750096299851.post-13379310532550116522014-04-01T08:52:00.003-07:002014-04-02T09:31:45.949-07:00What happened to my Asteroid? Section 59:<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Beep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Beep. The alarm sounded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Time to get
moving.” Tim kissed Sam gently on the nose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Do I have
to?” She was not happy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You had
better unless you want the bridge to see you in the buff.” He teased.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Let them
watch us get it on!” She joked as they pulled apart and grabbed their clothes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Shuttle 2,
Albatross station.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Commander
Dickerson’s voice chimed out of the radio.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tim floated
over to the console and activated the radio “Go ahead Albatross.” He responded
as he struggled to put on his jumpsuit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You should
be starting braking maneuvers shortly, what is your schedule for that?” Kim
sounded concerned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We are
rotating around now and braking will start in 5 minutes.” He tried to sound
professional as he contorted to get dressed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The shuttle
rotated around as the tow cables were adjusted to the new lengths needed for
the deceleration phase they were heading in to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The probe mirrored these attitude adjustments on the opposite side of
the asteroid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maneuvers were slow and
steady to avoid tangling the cables while maintaining tension between the
bodies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We have a
small correction to your flight path.” The commander informed the shuttle. “We
want you to stop about 20 kilometers further away than originally planned.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Ok, I’ll
bite.” Sam inquired while Tim was struggling with his jumpsuit “What are you
planning now?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We are
sending a bot out to run some tests.” Kim flatly explained “It will be on
station shortly and we just want a little more safety margin.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Alright,
we’ll swing a little wide when we bring this rock in.” Sam was trying not to
laugh at Tim fighting with his jumpsuit. “Did you two have a nice dinner?” She
mocked innocence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tim started
laughing and ripped himself out of his jumpsuit and tried to start over.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Why yes we
did,” Kim started then hesitated “Hey wait a minute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who told you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sam struggled
to not laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Between Tim fighting with
his jumpsuit and Kim’s response it was almost too much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We figured it out when the bridge responded
to our last check-in.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“That
obvious, huh?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Kim, there
was a betting pool on how many fixtures you would break when you finally got to
it!” Sam lost it and started laughing so hard she was crying.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Well I’m
sorry to disappoint the pool” Kim sounded slightly miffed “but we didn’t break
anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although Gwen is still
cleaning up the wine we spilled.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sam made a
quick launch toward the restroom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Kim, I
think you just caused Sam to pee herself.” Tim laughed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Give her my
apologies.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“So why is
Gwen cleaning up the compartment and you’re running ops?” Tim was teasing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“She said
she would rather scrub toilets than deal with the mining consortium.” Kim tried
to play it straight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She paused a
moment. “And the look on her face confirms that sentiment.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">They all got
a good laugh out of that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Ok
Albatross,” Tim got back to work “Braking operations are starting, we will
check back in as we are approaching final stop.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Affirmative.”
Kim got back to business “We’ll send you the modified approach plan and the
feed channel from the bot we are activating to run the tests.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-58.html">Previous</a> <a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-60.html">Next</a><br />
<a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-1.html">Beginning of Story</a>John C. Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042034612594266108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689921750096299851.post-65233767680145561102014-03-31T08:13:00.003-07:002014-04-01T08:53:12.718-07:00What happened to my Asteroid? Section 58:<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Docking
in…” Lieutenant Commander Sinkh announced “5 … 4 … 3 … 2 … 1 …” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The station
shuddered ever so slightly as the massive ship docked and locked clamps.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Connection
of data lines complete.” Ensign Zhou announced. “Confirming cargo transfer
schedule.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Fuel lines
connected and secured.” Lt. Vick stated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Very well,
tell the crews to prepare for transfer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We want to get this done smoothly.” Commander Johnson checked the
transfer schedule. “Make sure those empty cargo containers are all lined up and
everyone knows the rotation.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Should I
inform the Captain?” Lt. Commander Sinkh inquired.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“No Need.”
Captain Calhoun stated as he closed the airlock door. “As you were.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Captain!?!”
was the universal response in the compartment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Commander
Johnson,” The captain moved toward the central command console “I believe you
need to prepare for a briefing.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yes Sir.”
He responded “Are you sure you don’t…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’m
absolutely certain.” The captain cut off the commander “I have full confidence
in your ability to handle it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“And he
doesn’t want to deal with it.” Ensign Zhou mumbled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Ensign!”
The captain sternly barked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then he
lightened up and smiled “Rank has its privileges.” He chuckled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The entire
compartment got a minor laugh from that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Alright
people,” The captain settled into his control console “Let’s get this cargo
operation underway!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Aye Sir!”
The compartment resounded happily.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Captain,”
Lt. Commander Sinkh announced “Captain Grind wants to remind you that you owe
him a drink.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Tell him to
mosey on over and we’ll have that drink.” The captain chuckled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After a
minute or so Lt. Commander Sinkh looked up “He said he’s on his way, take a
look.” He switched the main display to the observation camera focused on boom
2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Captain Grind was walking along the
docking boom in his space suit carrying a small case.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Well I’ll
be damned!” The captain shook his head “Alright, obviously I’m going to have to
meet him at the airlock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Commander
Sinkh, you have the con.” He released himself from his console and floated
toward the airlock.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-57.html">Previous</a> <a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-59.html">Next</a></span></o:p></div>
<a href="http://www.uranianobserver.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-happened-to-my-asteroid-section-1.html">Beginning of Story</a>John C. Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042034612594266108noreply@blogger.com0