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for the loss of many lives each year. With the advent of the particle beams this was no longer a threat. By aiming the beams at the oncoming obstruction they had found that it was quite easy to destroy it before it posed any real threat. This was a function that the network was called upon to perform at regular intervals due to the orbit that they now occupied. The main function was that alpha had always hoped to prove with the system was it’s capabilities for repelling any attack from life forms, although this had never been called upon. On the surface, of course the network was all but taken for granted, it was not until you were in orbit around the globe, could you appreciate the sheer magnitude of what it was that provided the basic necessities of life.
    The shuttle was now in orbit, with its topside facing towards the planet. All of its movements and functions were being closely monitored from the ground. The final checks on the thousands of sensors which were housed in the outer shell were also being carried out. These would be the last major system checks that would be required before departure. Having now completed two orbits of the planet, it was time for them to begin their long journey to rendezvous with Epsilon Omega, Daniels contacted control.
    “This is 1472 alpha to control, over .”
    The time had come for him and his crew to assume control of the vessel.
    “This is mission control, everything shows green, you are now cleared to break orbit. To the crew of 1742 alpha we wish you good luck. Over and out” Captain Daniels addressed his navigator,
    “Mary, plot and lay in a course to intercept Epsilon Omega”
    Mary had already calculated the point at which orbit would be broken and the interception trajectory necessary and with a few clicks on her terminal fed it into the navigation systems. Because there is no right way up in space it was a relatively simple matter to break orbit. The trajectory of the shuttle leveled out and it gracefully dipped away from the planet. Once they were clear of the gravitational pull, everyone could relax. They all released the safety harnesses that had held them securely in their chairs, and began to float freely around the cabin. The only person still in his place was Captain Daniels; he was busy setting the auto pilot that would guide them for the next four days. Having done this he proceeded to join the others, who by this time had made their way into the sleeping area. His last task was to extinguish all unnecessary lighting. As he closed the door he took one last look into the cockpit. The red glow that emanated from the single light set into the roof, coupled with the illuminations given off by the constant flickering of the control panels gave it a serene almost simulated quality. He closed and secured the door.
    The crew was now on route to rendezvous with epsilon omega, and with all of their preliminary functions completed they now had time to relax before preparing for the bulk of their journey.
    J.D, Mathew, Watkins and Travis Wheatley, chose to watch the television monitor. They were still in transmission range of the networks and were still able to receive live broadcasts from the surface. J.D. was almost childlike in his reactions when he had realized that they were in time to watch one of the more popular light variety programs on channel 6.
    “Oh the great presto he has got to be the best magician ever”
    When she realized what the choice of viewing would be Mary groaned. Although she was interested in magic, she did at times find that the airtime devoted to it buy the television companies a little overpowering. As J.D. Mathew and Travis settled themselves in front of the screen, Anne and Mary busied themselves preparing drinks.
    The pilot and co pilot had elected to sit near to computer terminals and was now each becoming engrossed in two totally different ROM publications. The captain had selected to further his knowledge of the martial arts and