Read Space Station Crisis: Star Challengers Book 2 for Free Online

live-action roleplaying that I catch on pretty fast. I just hope the high-tech stuff in the ‘future’ is believable.”
    “You won’t be disappointed,” JJ assured him. “Really. We’re actually going to the future.”
    Overhearing, Dyl added, “This is our second time. For us, it’s back to the future.”
    “Got it.” A slow grin spread over Tony’s face. “I’m glad I showed up today.”
    From a closet, the commander withdrew a set of blue jumpsuits similar to those worn by Challenger Center flight directors, but of a stretchier material. “Suit up so you’re ready to join the space-station crew. He sized Tony up, then rummaged through the shelves for another jumpsuit. “This should fit you, Cadet Vasquez.”
    Zota stood in silence as JJ and the others pulled the flight suits on over their street clothes. JJ tugged on her sleeves and attached the Velcro fastenings. The jumpsuit had plenty of pockets and clips; she realized how useful that might be in zero-gravity while floating around inside a space station. She wouldn’t want anything drifting loose and hitting her on the head, like the pubs bag had during her recent training flight.
    Tony leaned over, shaking his head. He whispered, “You know how much I love role-playing games, but I can’t believe this Zota guy is so into his own character!”
    “It’s all very real to him.”
    Zota opened the door of the Challenger Center’s airlock chamber, where students participating in simulations were “transported” off to their assigned missions. In this case, JJ knew it would be the real thing.
    The commander stood at the door, troubled. “One last thing—while I cannot personally return to the future because of the limitations of the Kylarn device, I was at least able to transmit a message on your previous mission. This time, however, we will be cut off from each other. Since the future is different now, I will have no way to communicate with you.” His brows drew together in concern. “You’re on your own until the mission has ended. Make this count.”
    “We won’t let you down, sir,” King said.
    “Believe me, I’ll do my best,” Tony said.
    JJ felt a new rush of anticipation, as she entered the airlock chamber.
    After they were all inside, Commander Zota said, “Notice the handles.” He indicated the walls of the chamber. “I suggest you hold on—the transition is likely to be even more disorienting than the Bárány chair.”
    Song-Ye, Dyl, and King each grabbed a handle. JJ took the one closest to her and nudged Tony. “When Commander Zota says to hang on, you’d better hang on.” He seemed amused and played along, resting a hand lightly on the grab bar. JJ saw that the rest of the Star Challengers were smiling.
    Commander Zota closed and sealed the door.
    ***

Five
    JJ’s stomach gave a lurch, and it felt as if the floor fell out from under her, just as when the plane had dropped in the downdraft. She squealed with delight. “We’re weightless!”
    “Cool!” Dyl said. “This is not a problem!”
    “Speak for yourself, Junior, I think I’m going to be sick,” Song-Ye said.
    The room was dimly lit, so JJ could barely see the faces of the others. Next to her, Tony gasped in surprise. “What is this, some kind of high-speed elevator? Or like NASA’s vomit comet?” He chuckled. “Look at my legs floating! No wonder you guys were so excited about this simulator. It’s pretty impressive!”
    King started singing a song called “Free Falling.”
    JJ could barely feel the floor with her feet. She muttered, “Someone’s got to try this out, and it might as well be me.” She gave a slight push with her toes and sailed to the low ceiling, bumped it, and bounced off.
    Tony was a split second behind her, ready to experiment. His arms windmilled, and he bicycled with his feet. “Whoa! I didn’t expect this”
    “Ouch!” Song-Ye yelled as Tony’s foot connected with her stomach.
    “Hey—knee in face,” Dyl said.