We even tried locating
it with radar, but the entrance is concealed so effectively that we
could find no trace of it. We needed the personnel at this end, so we
abandoned the search. Getting to the power plant through the complex
here is the long way around, but we knew that we could do it and just
couldn't take the time to look further on the surface for the shortest
means of ingress."
"We'll have to find some way to open the airlock from the outside when
we're not so rushed," responded Zip. "We haven't kept up with the time
limit. What've we got?"
Madera sighed. "If we can't move the asteroid, impact with Earth will
take place on Thursday, September 8, at 2:33 p.m. That's about six days
from now. It will strike in the Atlantic Ocean just north of the West
Indies."
"How much time have we got to turn it aside?"
"Just a coupla days. After that time, no matter what we do the asteroid
will still strike the Earth somewhere. But we'll be able to move it."
"You sound confident, Mr. Madera," said Joe turning his head briefly as
the four of them approached the elevators.
"Don't worry, Joe," said Madera. "Earth is not ready yet for its
Judgment Day."
Somehow the Starmen believed him. He was not a Starman nor a reputed
scientist, but he was a man of deep dignity who exuded confidence and
easily won the affections of the people around him.
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