[Untitled]

[Mao]

V

Another day on board Bright Star and Trevize is spending more and more time in the cockpit. Kate was preparing an instant meal for the crew and Pelorat was reading one of his holobooks when the sound of a fire alarm started. In seconds, everyone was in the cockpit, checking the main computer.

- Show me a damage report, Pelorat asked.
- Did we hit something, Golan?
- No. There are no asteroids or anything. I was just getting ready to re-enter a lane.
- Lane was disrupted?
- Yes, but no sign of pirates or anything.
- Looks like there's a problem with engine 3. It's burning, said Kate while looking on the window.
- Trevize, shut down the ventilation for engine 3. If we don't give it oxygen, there will be no fire.
- Right. Done. The problem is with an electric circuit. Look! he said and pointed to the screen.

- I see. Kate, take command and take us out of here using the remaining engines but don't push them! Golan, you come with me. It's time that you learn something about engines.

The two men headed to the lowest level of the cargo bay. Trevize was carrying a tool box while Pelorat was reading a scheme of the electric installation.

- The bad part is that we will have to get out in space to repair it and we can't do it while we're on the lane. All we can do is shut it down completely to avoid more problems.
- So we don't need this, Golan said and pointed at the tool box.
- No, not really. The command panel is here. I'll do it this time. You watch and learn the procedure.

After a couple of minutes, the engine was shut down and sealed so it was only a piece of metal. Kate managed to take the ship to Birmingham Station where they requested emergency reparations. Fortunately, the needed parts were on the station so they didn't have to wait until the parts were shipped there. The repairs lasted almost all day and in the evening, Pelorat took the ship to Cortez. He and Trevize flew all night to catch up with the program and in the morning they were near Planet Curacao.

- Now we will go to very hostile territory so keep your eyes open, said Pelorat.
- The coordinates for the jump hole are set. Estimated time to arrival, 1 hour and 20 minutes.
- You should take a pic with the planet. It's one of OSC's heavens.
- Hmm, you're right, he answered and took his camera.

He prepared it and then he used it to surprise the dark side of Curacao.

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