He had cut down the power, of course. A single motor conking out would put more thrust on the other three sides of the ship, resulting in a curved trajectory for the craft. Therefore three other motors would have to be cut in order to keep the ship in a straight line.
There were more pings and thumps in my ears as I continued to press my helmet to the floor. An hour passed. Then another. Two hours of terror. Then the noise stopped.
"I think we're out of danger," Spartan's voice came through my helmet radio. "We penetrated a thin segment of the cloud."
"Any leaks, Doctor?" Axel asked.
"The air pressure gauges show no loss. But the motor will have to be repaired. Who's on duty now?"
"Miss Loring follows me into the control room," said Axel, "but this has been a tough experience for her. I won't mind working overtime."
"I can't permit it," said Spartan. "Everyone must do his share. Fetch her, Drake."
"Yes, sir," I said.
I went back to the main cabin where I found Joel slipping out of his spacesuit. I removed mine.
"Where's Gail?" I asked him.