Chapter 3 Goo
Adams and Robby were turned toward and looking at Randall as he stood to give his report. This was usually a job reserved to the chief engineer, but with Chief Quinn dead, it fell on Randall as the most senior engineering technician. He was confident that he knew all of the details of his report but nervous about keeping it concise yet comprehensive. Adams noticed his unease, stopped Randall with a hand wave as he was about to speak and motioned him to sit down.
“Thank you sir.” That was a big relief as Randall looked for and sat in the chair behind him. “The problem with the secondary cooling system was purely mechanical. The flow control valve was about 70 percent open when it froze. That valve is normally closed and never used in normal operation. The lack of exercise may have led to its failure to fully open. The valve was repaired and reused.” Randall paused, looking for an acknowledgment before he continued, but was briefly interrupted as the ward room door opened.
Alta, who had fallen asleep, had been awakened by the voices in her dreams and told to go to the ward room. No one appeared surprised when she entered and took a seat next to Adams. No one said anything to her. It was as if she was expected and took the place that had been reserved for her.
Adams gave Randall a nod to resume his report. “Several of the primary cooling system coils were found to be extremely thin in a few places, leading to their rupture when temperature and pressure reached a critical value. The eating away of the cooling tube walls appears to be from the outside in. There was no evidence of internal corrosion and none was expected. All of the tubes are a special beryllium and copper alloy in a fine silicon laminate structure. They should be impervious to corrosion but something ate away at them.” Adams looked up at the ceiling, staring into space while pondering what Randall had just reported. He brought his eyes back to the conference table, quickly glancing at Robby and Alta to see if they had any reaction. Of course Robby wouldn't react, but Alta had a blank look indicating no reaction. He turned his eyes and attention to Randall again asking “Any progress analyzing that organic material?”
Randall responded no, adding “Our facilities are probably up to the task, but without Doc Ostrow, we don't have the necessary knowledge.” The mention of Doc's name brought a sigh to Commander Adams. Doc had taken the “brain boost” on Altair 4 to save them all and sacrificed his own life in the process. He was sorely missed in many ways. It was at times like this when his knowledge and wisdom were especially missed.
The commander got past that moment and responded “Maybe there is someone, er, something that can help.” He turned his head toward Robby.
“The robot?” asked Randall. He turned his attention to Robby, staring in particular at the small, closed hatch in the robot's chest plate where material samples could be introduced for analysis. He looked back at the commander, waiting for a response.
Adams nodded, “Yes, I think so.” The tenor in Adams's voice changed and deepened as he continued, “Look, if that stuff is a threat in any way, I would rather we found out now than wait until we get to Earth.” That caught Alta's attention as both she and Randall nodded in agreement.
“Yes sir. Lee is preparing three sealed samples the robot should be able to analyze without breaking quarantine.” said Randall, looking at Robby as he spoke.
Adams turned his full attention to Randall, giving him a penetrating and thoughtful look before speaking. Randall was remarkably calm now, surprisingly so considering the significance of his report and the potential dangers of the organic material, which he seemed to fully appreciate.
Randall was one of the younger crew members at 21, though he did look slightly older than his age. Like all crew members, he was in excellent physical condition. He was certainly one of the taller and leaner of the crew. He looked like he could be an officer, and it was important to Adams that crewmen should look their parts as reassurance to all who saw them.
Adams spoke slowly and with deliberation. “You have done an admirable job filling the engineer's post after the loss of Chief Quinn.” Randall started to raise his hands in protest but Adams continued, “No, I mean it. You don't have his experience yet but you do have his love for the job and an eagerness to improve your abilities. I'm giving you a field commission of ensign.” Again, Randall started to mumble a protest but was silenced by Adams with a wave of his hand. “Ensign Randall, congratulations. Let's get this ship back in order. We will reassemble here once the samples are ready.”
“Thank you and aye aye sir.” The energy in Randall's voice exp