The object dwarfed the Eiferman. Hutch listened to the oooohs and aaaahs from the passenger cabin as they drew close. “That thing is big,” said Beth.

The hull was dark brown, and other than the hatches, its smooth surface was unbroken by windows or markings of any kind. “I have, however, found thrusters,” said Barry. “They are located on both sides and also in the rear. But their size and locations imply they can be nothing other than steering units.”

“The thing could be a big chocolate bar,” said Wally.

Derek got out of his seat and went into the passenger cabin. Hutch left the hatch open so she could hear. Ken, Beth, and Wally sat in their chairs, watching the giant ship.

“Okay if I come?” asked Wally.

Derek was apparently planning to visit the vehicle. “Of course.”

Ken and Beth wanted to go also, but Derek didn’t like the idea. “Let’s keep it just Wally and me for now. We’ll send back visuals. Shouldn’t be a problem. Once we make sure everything’s okay, you can all come. Except Priscilla.” He looked back through the hatch and smiled. “I feel a lot safer when you’re on the bridge.”

Derek and Wally both claimed to have had previous experience with the go-packs, but Hutch was nonetheless uneasy as they got ready. She helped them pull on their magnetic boots and get into their pressure suits. She adjusted the go-packs and checked to be sure they were strapped on properly. “I wish I could line up with that thing,” she said, referring to the giant ship. “But no way we can match that spiral without making everybody sick.”

“Good point,” said Wally. “I was thinking of taking a sandwich with me, but maybe I should wait a bit.”

“Be careful, guys,” said Beth. “Don’t let it hit you.”

Hutch got a cutter out of the supply room and handed it to Wally. “You know how to use it, right?”

“Of course,” he said.

“Try to find a way to open it without using the thing,” Derek said.

“Of course.” Wally sounded annoyed.

They stepped into the airlock. Hutch closed the inner hatch behind them and returned to the bridge.

•  •  •

She’d been a bit nervous about providing Derek with a go-pack. But he handled it okay, shut down the jet at the right moment, and landed with surprising dexterity on the moving hull close to one of the hatches. His magnetic boots took hold, and moments later Wally arrived also, though a substantial distance away.

They targeted Derek’s nearby hatch, met there, and began pushing and pulling. Finally, Wally said he didn’t see any way to open it. “There’s a press pad here, but it’s solid as a rock.” He produced the cutter. “Stay clear, Derek. There’s a chance heavy air pressure’s built up in there.”