Flynn
looked at the main viewer. On the right was a table of ever-changing numbers,
the readouts from the sails’ telltale sensors. The dark energy wind could be
treacherous, sometimes spiking into gales, but today the telltales were fairly
even.
On the left
side of the screen, Ann had a simulation that translated the numbers into
virtual representation.
“it’s not
exactly accurate,” Flynn commented.
Instead of
the black void of space, it showed an idyllic beach, the wind rustling palm
trees.
“It’s close
enough,” Ann said.
“I think
you’re trying to butter me up.” He looked back at her.
She wore
the tight jumpsuit that went under EVA suits. She grinned, “We’re doing this.”
Flynn
glanced back at the readout. He had been hoping for something closer to calm,
maybe a nice swirling eddy next to some dark matter bars. No such luck. At
thirteen knots it wasn’t exactly the fastest wind, but then again, Ann wouldn’t
have the benefit of a hull and stabilizing sails.
“You’re
sure about the design of your . . . what did you call it?”
“Windsurfing
board. And yes. I’m comfortable with it.”
“What does
Hank say?”
“Well, when
I can get him to focus he says it’s fine, but most of the time he wanted to
fiddle with something and I had to slap his hands away.”
“Your
tethers and umbilical are solid?” The tethers were standard lifelines, but the umbilical
would connect her to the ship’s communication and sensors. Since they would be
traveling at sail, faster than any radio signal, the only way to talk to her
would be through the umbilical.”
“Triple-checked.
Kimball will be suited up in the airlock and Connor standing by.”
“This is
still insane, Ann.”
“You don’t
get to be the only one to pull off brilliant but insane ideas.”
“I’m not
sure about that first part.”
“You will
when it works.”
Flynn gave
a last look at the display, knowing that conditions were as good as they were
going to get, and that Ann was going to make the attempt with or without his
help, even if it killed her.
“Go,” he
said.