The Deep Space Adventure
1.
Astro and Reno sat next to each other in the front cabin of the small chartered jet. Reno leaned over to stare out of the window as the aircraft flew over the Pacific, he was trying to figure out just where they were heading. Astro looked up at the professor and nudged him in the side with his elbow to get the man's attention.
Hakase, can you tell me now just what is going on? Astro asked.
Ochanomizu looked down at Astro and sighed. Yes I suppose it's safe to talk now. He answered. I'm sorry I had to be so secretive, but Commander Zero was quite insistent that our trip be kept secret. The equipment that you and Reno helped me get ready was sent on ahead to Space City so that it could be installed in one of their space ships. I'm not really sure what is going on, but I do know that both Dr. Moss of the Japanese Space Agency, and Dr. Von Wormer of NASA are going to be meeting us there. It seems that whatever is going on requires the attention of the world's three major space agencies to figure out.
Just what is Space City, Hakase? Astro asked. I've never heard of it?
Space city is the head quarters of the World Space Patrol, isn't it? Reno asked.
That's correct, Reno. the Professor replied. Shortly after Astro returned from his mission to Mars many years ago with the discovery of that Alien menace, it was realized that we needed to keep surveillance of the outer regions of the solar system. The World
Space Patrol was established to perform that task. They also keep a lookout for space pirates in the shipping lanes between Earth, Mars, and the L5 zones.
So where is this Space City? Astro asked.
It's exact location has been kept secret to the extent that it isn't on any published map. The professor replied, But it's well know that it is located somewhere in the south Pacific on a remote island. Ochanomizu looked briefly at his watch. Actually, we should be almost there by now. In fact I think I feel our pilot beginning his descent.
You're right Hakase. Astro replied. My gyro senses indicate that we are on a descending path.
The aircraft made a slightly bouncy landing and pulled up to the Space City terminal building. Astro, Reno, and the Professor walked down the stairs to the tarmac where a bus was waiting for them. As they pulled away, the aircraft was already being unloaded onto a flatbed truck.
I hope they don't lose my luggage. The professor moaned. That is what always happens to me when I travel.
The bus dropped them off in the center of the Space City complex, not far from the rotating tower building. They were escorted by several uniformed men into the main complex, and took an elevator upstairs to the commander's office. Professor Ochanomizu immediately recognized Dr. Moss of the JSA, and Dr. Von Wormer from NASA.
Hello again Astro! Dr. Moss cried out extending his hand. I'm very happy that you were able to help us with our little problem.
Dr. Moss insisted that you join us. Commander Zero spoke up. He couldn't recommend you any more highly, and briefed us on your heroics during the second Mars expedition.
Astro blushed slightly and bowed his head.
I'm happy to see you again as well! Dr. Von Wormer spoke up. I've tried to bribe the Japanese Science Ministry with quite a sum to get them to lend you to us at NASA, but they keep turning me down! He laughed.
Well now that the reunion is over, can we get down to business? Lieutenant Ninety asked.
Always a bit impatient, aren't you? Zero asked rhetorically. Let me introduce my second in command, this gentleman in Lieutenant Ninety. Command Zero explained. Now if everyone will take their seats I will explain what is going on.
Reno and Astro had wandered over to the windowed wall of the commander's office to look outside at the complex. The building they were in slowly rotated at a rate of about 1 RPM giving them a good view of the entire complex. Is that the main launching pad down there? Reno asked.
The commander looked to where Reno was pointing. Several long tracks ran off in the distance, each of them terminated with an uphill section of about 40 degrees aimed skyward. Siting on one of these tracks was a rocket sled, with a giant spacecraft sitting on top of it. The ship had a large wing section in the rear with an equally large rudder. Each section of the wing held a rocket engine, the rear of the ship had and even larger engine. The front of the ship where the cockpit was had a large transparent front section and four small fins toward the back. It was apparent that this front section could separate from the main craft, perhaps for planetary landing, leaving the bulk of the craft in orbit.
Good eyes son. the commander replied. That is our main XL launch complex. The ships launch like an aircraft horizontally propelled by those rocket sleds on a track. When they reach the end of the track they are going fast enough to pull up in a steep climb under their own nutomic rocket power We have over 30 of those ships in the fleet. We are currently prepping #5 for this mission.