Starquake.pdf

and gravitational waves. Status 82% operational."
"We have received a significant doseof radiation," said Cesar from his portion of the multiple screen.
"Those of us in the tanks have received 120 rems. Half-fatal dose is 500 rems."
"Amalita!" Abdul shouted. "Amalita! Answer me!"
There was no answer.
"Something is wrong," said Abdul. He started to purge his tank.
"I am the doctor," said Cesar. "Iwill check on her."
"The surface of Egg has suffered severe damage," Seiko said. "All activity has ceased. I have activated
the scanners."
"All communications with Egg are gone," said Jean. "We do have contact with the East Pole Space
Station." Her face on the multiple screen was replaced by that of a flickering cheela, checking in every
tenth of a second.
"Any life below you in Bright's Heaven?" Staring-Sensor asked.
"No," said Seiko. "Saw thermal flare at East Pole."
"We know," said Staring-Sensor.
"High energy vehicle from West Pole to East Pole," said Seiko.
"We know."
One of Seiko's screens showed a flashing circle overlaid by the computer on a scanner display of
Bright's Heaven. "Patch of new vegeta...."
"Where!?!"Staring-Sensor interrupted.
"Inner Eye Inst...."
Seiko stopped talking. The cheela had gone.
"Doc!" said Pierre. "Have you found Amalita yet?"
"Yes," said Cesar. "She's dead"
"I don't think we'd better take a ride with Otis until we get things straightened out here." Pierre
commanded the computer to cancel the planned change in trajectory for the deorbiter mass. It would be
nearly a day before the asteroid worked its way around to where they could call it again.
06:58:20 GMT TUESDAY 21 JUNE 2050