"Everything checks here," Wolf Helling said, looking at the wide board
of lights in Launch Control. 'The Pakis went up on the elevator and
wired in the device. Nobody here had any inkling what it is." He was
speaking on his walkie-talkie to Dore Peretz, who was still operating
the Fujitsu out of Command. "I think we're ready."
'Then you d better roll the gantry the hell back, away from the
vehicle," Peretz' voice barked. "My next item in the countdown is to
test the alignment on the Cyclops, make sure the vehicle is receiving
power."
"Okay," Helling replied. 'The electronics are all in a positive state
of mind here, but I guess you can't be too safe. By the way, how's
everybody doing there? Having any trouble?"
"Our guests are getting with the program," came the answer. "I've even
got an engineer friend here named Georges who's going to be a great
help when the time comes. Small attitude problem, but nothing I can't
manage."
"Well, keep them all frightened. It's the best way. I'll get started
with the rollback. Should only take a few minutes."
"Go for it," Dore Peretz said.