A Simple Truth Read Online Free PDF Page A

harnesses were in different relative positions in the different cabins, the arrangement being so that the force of acceleration would push the occupant's back against the bulkhead.  For normal manoeuvres the force generated was not severe and the acceleration was deliberately increased slowly so that anyone not strapped in would come to no harm.  But if an emergency arose that resulted in excessive acceleration then an unsecured person could suffer serious injury.
    The precautions were duly observed and Lincoln waited.  A few minutes later the flight attendant looked in to check his harness.  Another f ew and the Captain announced the impending departure.
    "Ladies and gentlemen, break of orbit will commence at the end of this announcement.  Acceleration will build up to a maximum of point one gee and will be sustained for just over fifteen minutes.  If any discomfort or distress is felt please call for assistance.  Do not leave your position during the manoeuvre.  Thank you."
    Lincoln felt better during the period of acceleration.  The steady pull gave an illusion of security.  Afterwards he settled in the aft observation lounge and watched the moon slowly recede into the blackness of space.  She presented a beautiful sight, but Lincoln knew that her beauty was cold and hard.  The moon was a desolate world , devoid of welcome or comfort.  He was not sorry to leave.  At best the moon provided only a temporary place to work.  H e could never regard it as home.
    The journey passed without event as the vast majority of spaceflights did.  He contacted Mendeleev twice for news but no further developments were reported.  He called his wife once and was tempted to call George Dent but decided against it.
    Earth orbit was reached after the predicted time and the transfer to the earth ferry made with routine efficiency.  Only one ferry was needed for the forty - three passengers and Lincoln's feet were back on Mother Earth only two days and seventeen hours after Dent's call.
    "Dad, Dad ," two voices chorused.  William and David had spotted their father as soon as he arrived at the gate.  They scampered across the concourse and all but knocked him down in their eagerness to greet him.
    "Steady on, careful now," h e called out laughing, "o ne gee takes a bit of getting used to."
    Arthur Lincoln , family man again , clasped his sons to him and felt the familiar old lump in his throat.  His wife Emma was only a few seconds behind and there were tears in her eyes.  The sight of her brought tears to Lincoln's own eyes and neither was able to speak for a time.  They hugged and laughed and cried all at once.
    "I didn't expect you to meet me here but I'm glad you did ," he said when some of his composure had been regained.  "When did you leave Scotland?"
    "Yesterday, our flight was arranged by the WSA.  I haven't had time to absorb all the details yet, everything has happened so fast.  I only found out about the arrangements after your call so I couldn't let you know.  A gentleman from the WSA drove over with us; he's waiting to meet you."
    Lincoln looked in the direction indicated by his wife's eyes.  A quiet unobtrusive man dressed in a dark grey suit was waiting patiently, smiling kindly at the reunion and standing only a dozen metres away.  Lincoln had not noticed him at all until that moment.  The man realised that he was now included in the group and walked over.
    "Nice to see you again Arthur ," he greeted cheerfully, extending a hand in welcome.  "Hope you had a pleasant journey."
    George Dent in person.  This was just like him, a simple greeting as if the two had been close friends for years.  Lincoln had only met him once before, and that had been five years ago when he had acc epted the position of second-in- command at Mendeleev Observatory under the Director, Don Higham.  Don's time was largely taken up with duties on earth so Lincoln was effectively head of the base.  He had been unsure of the