Lift-off took place the following day. There were no direct vision portholes, of course, but the scene could be watched from screens located throughout the ship. Freeman Bradwell had the most privileged spot of any of the passengers. He watched from the screen in the Captain’s bridge, next to the pilots’ control center.
His father laughed when Free told him of the invitation to the bridge. “You certainly do get around in a hurry!”
“Captain Maynard showed me all around the ship yesterday. I’d like to see liftoff with him.”
“Of course. Go ahead. I’m glad you’ve made friends with the Captain.”
During the weeks that followed, Free spent many hours in the Captain’s company. Morten Bradwell was grateful for the attention Captain Maynard was giving Free. He didn’t understand it. He knew the C
