Tull refused the test’s first start.
The loads were ready. The crew stood at their places. Leva had checked the new release member twice, and Iven’s graft held the five working patterns he intended to use. A council observer had climbed the six kilometers from the receiving ground to see whether the much-discussed little machine deserved any confidence.
Tull pointed to a missing mark on the side board.
“The relief operator hasn’t signed the return position.”
The observer looked at the apparatus.
“You can see where it is.”
“Yes,” Tull said. “I want to know whether the person who takes it after me can.”
They waited.
