Metafire

Jack looked up at him from his desk and said, "You mean it won't blow up on the launch pad like the one a month ago?"

"Yep, something like that. This trip is going to be dangerous for you Jack, and you're not a trained agent. We'll have to send you in for training and get you an experienced partner."

"OK."

"I'll arrange it this afternoon. Jack, this is a good idea." He decided he wanted someone who knew the situation to be up there, in space. It was the same principal as moving the operation to Sante Fe, to be closer to the events. He continued, "No matter what, these Metafire people are going to complain. We may have to transfer you while they are under the control of our repair facility on New Boston. It's the Shuttle Discovery, you know. If you board at that time, they can't stop you. Short of killing you, that is."

Ferguson thought for another few seconds and said, "No. We can't do that. They will have the work done in the Discovery shuttle before you can go in for classes."

"I'll go, then. John, you know me. I'm a trained agent." Jill was volunteering.