Metafire

But George was undisturbed, "No."

They broke off communication. Frank received the drawings. It was clear that this was a simple remote control gassing device. It also seemed to have a catalytic purifier so it could be employed to reverse any gassing effects. Reba and Kennedy were the mechanical people on board. They made quick work cutting the aluminum box away from the ventilator shaft and pulling the unit out.

George then directed Erisa and Randy into the old Metafire Two capsule for transfer. A few minutes later Platon and Andrei brought in the aluminum box. Michael announced when he detected the flash of the killer satellite in the lights of his tug. He saw it only briefly. It was black.

A few minutes later, there was no noise. But everybody in Metafire knew that the bomb had attached.

George called John. "We are ready for transfer John. Send in Scooter."

Scooter was already nearing the Metafire Two capsule. When he was within fifty feet, the Bluebird capsule attached to his tug was detached, and it moved slowly for joining with Metafire Two. The hatch opened with the usual whoof of air imbalance, and there was Jack, face to face with Erisa. Jack pulled her in. They hugged. Jack put his hands over her head and pulled back her hair and kissed her. She said, "Yea."