Ted thought it would be a good time to learn something more about the mysterious Randy, and he was about to ask some questions when the cage touched the ground floor.
“Everybody out,” Dr. Kenton said. “Put on your helmets and turn on your air valves.”
There was no time for questioning now. The three younger folks did as instructed. Ted liked the caressing feeling he got as the air pumped up his suit. It was like a soft summer breeze against his skin. It made him want to giggle.
The explorers climbed into their car outside, and Dr. Kenton started it. Then they went flying across the bleak gray moonscape, back toward the Wheel. Jill had gotten over her gloom, and the excitement of the carefree ride prompted her to start singing. It was a well-known song that all the school children at home knew, and Ted and her father both joined in. Dr. Kenton invited Randy to chime in, but the boy surprised them once more when he said that he did not even know the song! This only added to the mystery of Randy.
Suddenly the scientist jammed the brakes on so suddenly that the children were pitched forward.
“What’s wrong?” Ted asked, when he had regained his wits.
He was surprised to see his father leap from his seat and vault to the ground. “Out of here—all of you—quickly!” he urged.
His insistent voice brought them tumbling out of the car to the ground.
“What is it?” Jill cried frantically.
“See those spurts of dust just up ahead?” her father said, pointing. “They’re meteorites striking the ground. We almost blundered right into a meteor shower!”