"Japanese ceramic composites, my droog. No other material could have done it. And now the atmosphere is thinning. When we hit eighty thousand feet, or maybe eighty-five, skin temperature should stabilize down around a thousand degrees. That's 'room temperature' for this vehicle." He paused and grinned. "Liquid hydrogen. It's a fantastic fuel, and a terrific coolant. Of course, if this catches on and we stop using alcohol coolant in our MiGs, I don't know what the Soviet Air Force will all drink before payday."
Vance glanced at their vector. They were over the Bering Sea now, with a heading for who knew where.
Mach 11.3 and climbing. The Daedalus was pressing effortlessly toward the darkness above. Time to think about what was next.
"How much of this wonderful liquid hydrogen do we have?"
"Just enough to do what I've been planning for a long time." He edged over and touched Vance's shoulder. "I'm deeply in your debt. You made it possible. Now there's only one thing left. The ultimate!"
Vance looked at him and realized immediately what he meant. Why not!
"Do we have enough oxygen?"
"Extra cannisters were loaded because of the two Mino Industries pilots. I think we have about ten hours."
"Then I vote we give it a shot," he said, turning to Eva. "What do you think?"
"What are you talking about?"