Crucible of a Species Read Online Free PDF Page A

years in the academy and Janet could identify the function of every bump on its skin. Only the eyes of an engineer would think it beautiful because they would see function in a design that had no need for aesthetically smooth, flowing symmetries. The shuttle was the first generation of Gravitonic Drive Technology. With this new drive, the craft never need experience the crushing force of a violent liftoff or the fiery hell of reentry.
    As she approached the shuttle, Janet realized that this was her first chance to say the words and claim the title. Her heart pounded as she approached the ladder and returned the salute of the chief bosun’s mate. This was her midshipman’s voyage, the traditional final rite of passage before graduation. She couldn’t suppress a smile as she reported, “Good morning, Chief. Janet Derek, Argos Engineering in transit.”
    “Welcome aboard the Genesis, Midshipman Derek. We’re awaiting one more passenger so you have a few minutes. Open seating, first class or business!”
    The unexpected informality startled Janet but she instantly decided to try to fit in, “Yeah right, Chief. First class, that’s a good one.”
    Two other passengers were already in the spartan cabin leaving four canvas shod seats open. Janet swung her duffle into the passenger’s ready storage and took a bench near the back of the compartment. Hmm, I’m surprised they let civilian passengers on this flight , she thought as she glanced through the port past the aft bulkhead and noticed more than half the boat was loaded with boxes. That must be some very important cargo if they’re using the shuttle for transport rather than the slower but much less expensive Space Elevator.
    An angry voice carried in from the open portal, “What? This is ridiculous. I’ve been through your security two times already!”
    “Sorry sir, orders.” The bass voice of the chief replied. “Please open your briefcase before entering.”
    “There! Now may I please board so we can get moving?”
    “Yes sir. Thank you, sir. Feel free to board. We will be leaving shortly since you are our last passenger.”
    The midshipman looked up to see a civilian in a tweed jacket enter and her heart skipped a beat. It was Professor John Bockheit. She’d met him last year at the Gravitonics Convention in San Diego.
    Why is a statistician going up to the ISA Skyport? Even worse, this guy’s a radical Earth First supporter! How the hell did he even get clearance? She watched as the professor threw his briefcase onto the seat across the aisle from her.
    She mentally shrugged and returned to the notes on her tablet, I guess that’s life, the strangest things happen. But still, an ‘Earth Firster’? Not just any old kook but one who directly advocates stopping the Tau Ceti expedition?
    The members of the ‘Earth First’ group argued, often violently, that mankind must solve the problems of the planet before moving into stellar exploration. The protesters felt they should create a utopian-like society here on Earth and their goal finally seemed within reach.
    Professor Bockheit belonged to a radical segment of the group that opposed all interaction with the Asteri. They feared the Asteri were too mysterious about their own origins, never explained why they bothered to help humanity and therefore could not be trusted. Their members demanded the cessation of further contact with these ‘unknown creatures’.
    “Everyone please remain seated, I need to confirm the stowage manifest.” The deep voice of the chief carried above a soft whine now filling the cabin. “The Captain has started the final flight checks and we will lift off shortly.”
    Our professor seems a bit nervous, Janet thought, but it doesn’t look like he has take-off jitters. He keeps staring around the cabin. Maybe he’s looking for someone.
    The professor shouted forward, “Hey steward, is there more room in the back? I’d like to move before we take off.”
    “Sorry, sir. The