Metafire

The capsule disconnected and floated away from the light release of air. It then fired its nitrozine maneuvering rockets and moved slowly toward the Shuttle. The crew of the Shuttle, in turn, opened its bay doors and took the capsule in.

On board the Shuttle, the Metafire people arranged to have authenticated NSP orders delivered to the crew. The orders clearly stated that the crew was to aid the Metafire group in leaving. In order to further insure compliance, Kennedy fashioned a small explosive device and connected it to an I/O port on a computer attached to the network. He explained to the crew that, "If you find the explosive device, don't touch it. I can send a command to disarm it. Any attempt to disarm it yourself will cause it to explode. I believe it has the capacity to rupture the integrity of the shuttle superstructure."

The Discovery crew remained solemn through this entire ordeal. There was feeling from the Metafire people of quiet certitude. The crew was comfortable that these hijackers were not mad or crazy. One crewman commented to another that it was like being taken a prisoner by a professional soldier.

Michael and Platon were the last to board the capsule. With six people, it was crowded, but they did not have far to go. Inside Michael asked Kennedy, "Did you really make an explosive?"