Canticle Blue

46. Launch

Music - Voices Of the Anasazi  by David Arkenstone
(I was delighted to find the image that accompanies this video)

On the day the Terreska was scheduled to break orbit, Havilan Meid addressed a large crowd in the Commons. "Good morning friends. Tor Stym was originally scheduled to speak to you about our coming adventure, but as most of you probably know, he recently left for Innis Base to help with construction there. So I've been asked to describe the beginning of our voyage; and that's fortunate for you because I'll have to speak in terms that even I can understand.

"Later this morning we will prepare to leave our orbit here and move out into deeper space. We will be seeking an eventual trajectory which will parallel that of Gilon's Light. Our first acceleration (or 'push' as Syl Este calls it) will be a thirty second test of the ship's collar propulsion systems and of the Terreska itself. For that, you will need to stay in your homes. We've checked the habitat leveling units, and they all work. But if you have any problems, please let us know as soon as possible. I'll be monitoring the C-link for any messages you send.

"After we leave the Commons, everyone will have two hours to make sure things are 'tied down,' so to speak. Then, ten minutes before our acceleration, I'll poll you via the C-link to see if you're ready and watch the results from the bridge. You will be able to see our mission clock and a graphic of the Terreska position in space on your household monitors.

"When we've finished looking at the results of the first test, there will be a another polling and countdown. After that, the second 'push' will send us on our way. Gilon will use both sets of R-drives to accelerate the ship at one-half normal gravity until we reach the first insertion point in our new orbit. The ship will continue to rotate for stability throughout that part of our trip, and afterward. After launch, as soon as we know that everything is working normally, I'll send you the go-ahead to move about the ship. Remember that, during periods of acceleration, you will have to use the elevators to take you from one ring level to another. These have all been refitted and can be operated manually if necessary. If you have to enter one of the steeper crop areas, please do not do so alone. Also, stay well away from the protective railings and watch your children at all times. If, for any reason, we have to shut down the R-drives, I'll give you ample warning. Again, the ship will continue to rotate, if that happens. Throughout our voyage, status reports will be available to all habitats via the C-link. All aid stations in the rings will also be open during the accelerations, and the medical staff will make house-calls if necessary. No discomfort will be considered too small, including vertigo or nausea. So, again, let us know.

"Our eventual orbit will be roughly the same distance from the sun as now, but on the opposite side of it, relative to Havel. The Terreska will stay in that orbit at least until the comet swings around the sun and starts to move back out into the solar system. After that, we only have tentative plans, except that we certainly intend to rendezvous with the Picarin.

"So, that's it, except to remind you that the Terreska was designed for these configurations. It went through countless periods of acceleration and deceleration on its way here, sometimes for very long periods of time. I hope you all understand the significance of what you have accomplished in preparing this ship for its first voyage in two millennia. Grahmen Ravi will now offer a prayer for our journey. After that you will be free to get ready."

Grahmen greeted everyone present, looked upward and said: "Bless you God, our God. In the then and now and when and if, you will have been kind and good to us. This current endeavor we entrust to you and ask, always, for wisdom. We do not leap, but step with assurance. And the steps we take are given to you."