In a moment the lines were
attached to the steel skin of the ship, and gradually the lines
tightened, pulling the mighty spaceship into the waiting port. Once
inside, the outer air lock was closed and the _Polaris_ was slung in the
powerful magnetic cradles that held her in a rigid position. Elsewhere
on the satellite, quick calculations were made for the additional
weight, and the station was counterbalanced to assure an even orbit
around Venus.
Tom flicked the many switches off on the great board, glanced at the
time of arrival on the solar clock, and reported to Major Connel.
"Touchdown at one-nine-four-nine, sir."
"Very well, Corbett," answered Connel. Then he added grudgingly, "That
was as fine a job of control-deck operations as I've seen. Keep up the
good work, spaceman."
Tom gulped. The unexpected compliment caught him off guard. And he was
even more pleased that for the first time Connel had referred to him as
spaceman!
"I'll be needed at the space station commander's quarters for a while,
Corbett," said Connel. "Meanwhile, you and Manning and Astro acquaint
yourselves with the station.
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