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Visit from Abyss
It was four years ago.
A new space station was launched into operation, in orbit around the planet.
There were many famous scientists, and engineers from different areas of scientific activity, working on board.
Everything that happened next, forever changed the fates of three pilots, who were returning home from the moon base.
Finally. We'll get home in half an hour.
Isn't that good? Getting accustomed to stronger gravitation again.
The fighter won't hold you due to the extra "calories" you've gained.
I'm lighter than you by at least a couple of pounds.
Yes, certainly! On the surface of the second moon.
Well, stop littering the airwaves with your idle chatter.
How about going on a nature outing tomorrow?
That's not a bad idea. How about you, Commander?
Really, haven't we gotten bored with each other during these last two weeks of duty?
Tomorrow I'm going to ...
sounds the alarm signal.
An Asteroid! Right behind us.
Quickly, spread out!
Wow, what a little rock!
Where did it come from?
Wouldn't it be better to ask where it's going to?
You're probably right. "Number One" calling "Base".
"Number one", it's "Base".
"Base"! The asteroid is beside us. It's moving towards the planet. There may be a danger of collision. I'll send the data.
Roger. I'll connect you with the asteroid prevention complex.
Great. Let's go faster. We're pressed for time, and counting down the minutes.
I'm on duty at the asteroid prevention complex. Are you sure the data you've given is correct?
Of course!
The situation is that this is asteroid 4305.
That means nothing to me.
Certainly. You don't know that the present location of asteroid 4305 should be about 2 million kilometers from here.
I'm telling you that it has changed its orbit, or this is another asteroid.
Are you sure?
We're wasting time. You'd better calculate its new orbit.
I've already done that. It can't be ...
What else?
In 8 minutes it's going to collide with our orbital complex.
Do you have any other good news?
Wait! You have ammunition there with you, after all. Try to change the orbit of the asteroid by at least 5 degrees.
I'm going to activate the orbital laser gun. We need to have enough time to do that.
That's great.
Firing test shot.
Well! 20 such missiles will be needed to move that lump.
We only have 17 missiles here.
Yes that's it. I think I know what can be done.
We have to synchronize the launch of all missiles.
But the power of the blast won't be enough.
But that's what I'm going to try to do. Be ready in one minute.
That's everything. He won't have enough time to fire a second shot.
Fine job!
Actually he was a hero ...
...but the Commission considered him otherwise.