Lifeboat

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.

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