Once sealed inside the ball, Arnold flicked a switch. PFC flooded in to discharge the air. His lungs filled
and he drowned; but this was his only way to live.
An explosion ejected the ball from the disabled space shuttle for this was Arnold's lifeboat. Without
retro-rockets to slow it, the craft, a ball of flame, fell at fantastic speed. With a mighty splash,
it crashed into the sea.
A recovery vessel lifted the ball aboard and its hatch was opened. Arnold rose, dripping wet. He grinned
as he spat the lifesaving liquid and drew a breath of fresh air.
|