"Spaceport traffic control to Polaris," reported the traffic officer, his face in focus on the teleceiver screen. "Your orbit has been cleared for blast-off. Orbit number 3847—repeat, 3847—raise ship when ready!"
"Orbit 3847," repeated Tom. "End transmission!"
"End transmission," said the officer. Tom flipped off the teleceiver and the officer's face disappeared.
At the rear of the control deck, Captain Strong suddenly stepped through the hatch and dropped his black plastic space bag on the deck. Tom got up and saluted sharply.
"Polaris ready to blast off, sir," he said. "Orbit cleared."
"Very well, Corbett," replied Strong, returning the salute. "Carry on!"
Tom turned back to the control board and flipped on the intercom. "Control deck to power deck! Energize the cooling pumps!"
"Cooling pumps, aye!" said Astro.
From the power deck, the massive pumps began their whining roar. The great ship shuddered under the pressure.
Tom watched the gauge that indicated the pressure control and then called into the intercom.