Vol - II - IT@School

Notes
EXTENDED READING
• Where are the astronauts now?
ignition for release from earth orbit.
Ground Control: Countdown for ignition. And
counting, five, four, three, two, one.
2nd Astronaut: Venus, here we come!
(Two Astronauts freeze in position as lights go out. Curtain
closes.)
SCENE 2
Time : Several days later.
Setting : Same as scene I. except that Ground
Control, though in place, is blacked out.
At rise: Venu is concealed in control panel. 2nd Astronaut
rubs eyes and stretches, as if just waking. 1st Astronaut,
holding cassette player, is moving arms in rhythm to music on
tape. He wears earplug and sound of music is not heard!
2nd Astronaut: (Looking at control panel): Hey, we’re
nearly there. Why didn’t you wake
me? (1st Astronaut doesn’t answer but
continues moving rhythmically) Hey!
(Nudges 1st Astronaut)
1st Astronaut: (Removing earplug): What did you say?
2nd Astronaut: I said, we’re nearly there. Why didn’t
you wake me?
1st Astronaut: Sorry. I wasn’t paying attention.
(Begins pushing buttons, etc.) Ready for
orbital approach to Venus. (Happily)
I guess I’ll get my green rocks after all.
2nd Astronaut: Sure you will. (Into microphone)
Come in, Houston. This is Venus
trip. Come in, Ground Control.
(Listens) Come in, Ground Control,
this is Venus trip. (There is no answer)
1st Astronaut: Have we lost radio contact?
2nd Astronaut:
1st Astronaut:
It seems that way.
We’ll have to make a landing
without them. (Checks instrument)
I’m ready when you and the
computer are. Let’s try for Venus
128 English Coursebook VIII