"
"Maybe you're trying to make it _too_ small, Astro," commented Connel,
looking over the drawing. "Remember, this unit has but one job. To
_start_ the reaction. When the reaction fuel gets hot enough, it'll
start a reaction of the copper on Junior and sustain itself. Try a
smaller amount of the reactant. But whatever you do, keep working. Only
a day and a few hours left."
Connel looked at Shinny. "Keep him working, Mr. Shinny," he ordered. "I
know he can do it. Just keep him going."
Shinny grinned and nodded.
"I'll try, sir," said Astro, shaking his head, "but I won't guarantee
it--"
Connel cut him off with a roar. "Cadet Astro, I don't want your
guarantee! _I want that unit. Now build it!_"
Hour after hour the cadets racked their brains for what seemed like
impossible answers to an impossible task. Working until their eyes
closed fast shut, they would lie down right where they were--power deck,
control deck, or radar bridge--and sleep. They would awake, still
groggy, drink hot tea, eat cold sandwiches, and continue their struggle
with time and astrophysics.
One by one, the problems were solved and set aside for newer ones that
arose on the way.
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