[Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, December 1954. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] FIRST STAGE: MOON BY DICK HETSCHEL They were the first men on Earth to reach the Moon and return. They were heroes of the world; they would be welcomed and acclaimed and feted for the greatest achievement in history. Nations would seek them out.... ----------------------------------------------------------------------- "What color's the sky?" "Still black as the place the devils throw their old razor blades." "We'll hear it when we hit air." "Pretty soon now?" "A few minutes yet." "Man! My foot's working off at the knee." "John awake? Hey, John, you awake?" "How could I sleep through this? Whad'ya want?" "Nothing." "What's she look like?" "Earth?" "Of course." "A blue beach-ball with a white halo 'round it." "What's below us?" "Part of Asia, I think. Lots of clouds.... I see India." "Man, it's hot in here!" "Hell, wait'll we hit air!" "We all awake? Anyone asleep say 'aye.'" "Aye." "No one's asleep. I heard four voices." "If anyone can sleep through this they've got my blessings. Woof! My neck." "You think you've got it bad; they've got me squeezed in with the camera equipment; I'm bent at the knees and again at the waist." "Ah, but after we land." "Ah, after we land." "And _if_ we land, of course." "_If_ we land? Hell, listen to him; he's still got doubts! Unchain that libido, son, we're men of the world now!" "Of two worlds." "And speaking of worlds--we'll rule the world, gentlemen!" "For a day!" "Maybe a week!" "Three rousing huzzahs for us!" "'Oops--stand back there, son; these gentlemen just got back from the moon!'" "'The first men on the moon!'" "'The discoverers of a new world!'" "'Hell, Pop, I knew it was there all the time!'" "We'll be famous--our names will be on cereal boxes." "The hell with it; I'm tired." "Wish I could see out! What's it like?" "Same as before." "I can see someone's leg and the back of someone's head. Damn this lousy intercom. I can't even recognize voices." "What's it matter who we are? We're just a lousy pack of sardines 'til we hit Earth." "Good old Earth--hell with it." "Gentlemen--I would make a speech!" "Also the hell with you!" "I'm gonna drown if I keep sweating like this." "Shut up! I've got something more important to say than your groaning." "If we must." "The next speaker will be the honorable--who the hell are you anyway, bub?" "We ... have just ... visited ... the moon!" "Hear!" "There's one more important thing we have to do before we land." "You mean slow down?" "One thing to talk over. Look ... Williams! I have a strong suspicion you signed on this trip for some reason beside glory. Right?" "'Cause Earth was getting too crowded for me." "How about you, Wong?"