Once sealed inside the ball, Arnold flicked a switch.
Oxygenated PFC flooded in to discharge the air. His lungs filled and he drowned; but this
was his only way to live.
An explosion ejected the ball from the disabled space shuttle for this was Arnold's
lifeboat. Without retro-rockets to slow it, the craft, a ball of flame, fell at fantastic
speed. With a mighty splash, it crashed into the sea.
A recovery vessel lifted the ball aboard. Its hatch opened and Arnold rose, dripping wet.
He grinned as he spat the lifesaving liquid and drew a breath of fresh air. |