Rocket to Luna

Ted realized abruptly that his thinking had changed somewhat. His mind had automatically accepted the new premise that they would get back to Earth. A few days ago — even a few hours ago — he wasn’t quite sure of that. There was no question in his mind now. They would get back to Earth, and there would be future Lunar rockets. And then the planets. Mars first, perhaps. And Venus. His blood quickened in anticipation. He was happy, very happy.

They kept traveling as fast as they could. The tractor was built for the Moon and it navigated the deep ruts and holes with easy skill. But even their top speed was low because of the weight the tractor was carrying. Ted resigned himself to a long trip, sure they would reach the ship before the Sun did, but wishing nonetheless that it were all over.

He was surprised when Forbes spoke after many silent miles.

“I can’t figure you, Baker.”

“Huh?” Ted turned his head.

“I said I can’t figure you.”

“Oh? Why not. What’s there to figure?”

Forbes shrugged. He kept his hands on the steering wheel and his eyes on the surface ahead. “You’re something of a paradox.”

“Not really,” Ted said.

“Yes, yes, I think so,” Forbes replied.

Ted didn’t answer. He had begun to have hopes for a friendship with the lieutenant. At least, Forbes’s attitude seemed to have changed. But now — even though Forbes’s voice was friendly, he felt he knew where the conversation was leading, and a sense of foreboding filled him.

“Why’d you do it?” Forbes asked suddenly.

“Why’d I do what?” Ted knew what Forbes meant, but for some reason he wanted to put off the discussion as long as he could.

“You know what I mean,” Forbes said.

Ted shrugged. “Why talk about it?”

“Because I’m curious, and because I won’t rest well until I find out what makes you tick. At first, I thought you were just a glory-happy kid without any sense. That was before we started this little jaunt. Now I’m not sure any more.”

Ted hesitated, taking a deep breath. “Suppose I told you you’ve got me all wrong?”

“I’m listening,” Forbes said simply.

“Suppose I used the classic, ‘I’m innocent’!”

“I’m still listening.”

“All right, I’m innocent.”

“You haven’t told me anything yet,” Forbes said.

Ted sighed again. “It’s a long story.”

“We’ve got plenty of time, my friend.”

“Okay.” Ted paused, then said, “This is what happened.”

He told Forbes the whole story while the tractor made its slow way toward the waiting rocket ship. Forbes nodded from time to time, listening intently. Ted told him all about Jack’s injured collarbone, about the fight in the air lock, about how he wanted to stop blastoff. He told him everything, and when he was finished, Forbes sat silently for a long time.

“And this is the truth?” he asked at last.

“Yes,” Ted said.

“Why didn’t you tell it before?”

“You wouldn’t let me. When I first boarded the ship, everyone was all excited about blastoff. Then you voted on me before I had a chance to clear myself. It all happened so fast, I...”

“You should have given me a swift kick in the pants,” Forbes interrupted.

“It wasn’t your fault,” Ted said.

“It certainly was,” Forbes insisted. “That day in the mess hall! Why, you weren’t planning on stowing away at all. You were just asking my advice on what you should do about Jack. How could I have been so stupid?”

“It wasn’t your fault,” Ted repeated.

“I say it was!”

“But it wasn’t. Can’t you see...?”

“It was my...”

Forbes suddenly cut himself short and began laughing. Ted realized he was laughing over the near-argument they’d had in apologizing to each other. He began chuckling, too, and before long they were both howling their glee to the indifferent Moon, two figures with their heads tilted back, their voices raised in laughter.

They talked a great deal after that.

Forbes told Ted all about his home town and the way he’d wanted to be a space engineer ever since he’d been a kid. His only regret had been that he hadn’t gone through the Academy. He had enlisted in the Air Force as a mechanic instead, pulling himself up to the lieutenant’s rank by his bootstraps.

As Forbes talked about the Academy, Ted’s mind flew to the Space Station. He thought of General Pepper, and of what the general had said, and he grew suddenly silent.

“What’s the matter, Ted?”

“Nothing. Nothing at all.”

“Come on, what is it?”

“Really, Dan, it’s nothing. I was just thinking about the... about the Moon, that’s what. Yes, I was thinking how the cold the...”

“You’re a lousy liar, Ted.”

“No, really, I was just...”

“You’re thinking of what the Old Man said, aren’t you?”

“No.”

“I can tell, Ted. You’re worried about it.”

“All right, I am. General Pepper said I’d be in hot water. I’ll probably get tossed out of the Academy.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. If anyone gets tossed out, it’ll be Jack Talbot.”

“Well, I wouldn’t want that to happen, either. Jack is specializing now. In a year he’ll have his commission.”

Forbes shook his head. “Boy, it’s funny how wrong I had you figured, Ted. I hope you’ll accept my apologies.”

Ted grinned. “Let’s not get into that again.”