"But there's still another reason. It's psychological, too. Half the fun of being a kid is being able to lord it over the other guys, by being superior in some way. We take half the fun out of Astronaut selection by strictly forbidding you to tell your pals. Then, we'll know if you wanted to go into space for frivolous reasons, or for space itself. If you're in it for personal conceit you're damned. If you're in it because you can't help being in it and have to be in it you're blessed".
He nodded to my mother.
"Thank you, Mrs. Christopher". "Sir" I said.
"A question. I have a friend. Ralph Priory. He lives at an ortho-station".
Trent nodded
"I can't tell you his rating, of course, but he's on our list. He's your buddy? You want
him along, of course. I'll check his record. Station-bred, you say? That's not good.
But we'll see".
"If you would, please, thanks. "
"Report to me at the Rocket Station Saturday afternoon at five, Mr. Christopher.
Meantime: silence".
He saluted.
He walked off.
-27-
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