The Planet MappersEvans, E. Everett (Edward Everett)
Science
The Planet Mappers
Evans, E. Everett (Edward Everett)
Families -- Juvenile fiction; Science fiction; Space flight -- Juvenile fiction; Space pirates -- Juvenile fiction
"I think 'Diana' is a very nice name, and I'll accept that, although
I'm going to make it 'Diane,'" his mother soothed. "That has always
been my favorite girl name. If I'd ever had a daughter, I probably
would have named her 'Diane.' So it will make a doubly fine name for my
moon."
"Haven't time to measure or weigh it now, but I'll bet it's big enough,
and close enough, to cause tides," Jon said meditatively.
"What's that got to do with the price of onions in Bermuda?"
"Nothing, just thought it was interesting. Well, bed for me. Need a
good rest tonight."
"Why, especially, Son? What do you plan for tomorrow?"
"Just some more exploring, that's all. And we'll be careful," Jon added
hastily as he saw the familiar words forming on her lips. "'Night,
Mom."
4
At breakfast the next morning Jon suddenly stopped eating. "Say, as
we were coming down, did you notice a small river or creek just over
there to the right? I was pretty busy at the time, but seem to remember
something of the sort."
"Yes, there was one near, but don't know just how far. Why?"
The boy grinned. "If there's a stream, there're probably fish. I was
thinking we could get some fresh supplies that way."
"You and your fishing! Don't you ever think of anything else?"
"Sure I do, but I notice you always eat your share when I catch any and
Mom cooks 'em."
Their mother said quickly, "Some fresh fish would taste good, Boys. If
you have time and can catch any, I know we would all appreciate them."
"Look, Jak, you want to explore some more of that jungle, and I want
to see if there's any of that stuff Pop was looking for, near here.
We can just as well do both while working toward that creek, and I can
take my rod along. But first, we've got to set up our marker here in
the clearing."
"That's right, I'd almost forgotten your telling us about that. And we
don't want to stay too long, either. Didn't you say we have to place
one on each planet in order to prove our claim as original discovers?"
"Yes, and one in an orbit about the sun, too." Jon pushed back his
chair and rose. "I'll go get one from the storeroom."
"I'll get my specimen cases ready, and see to the guns." Jak, too,
rose, then forestalled his mother by turning to her, "I'll feed Father
first, and we'll be careful outside. You can call us back with the new
siren Jon installed, if you need us."
"All right, Boys." She smiled at them. "Mr. C. seemed to rest well last
night, although I do wish he would regain full consciousness. I've
plenty of housekeeping to keep busy while you're gone. Really should do
some washing, but that doesn't take long. Just don't stay out too late."
"We won't," they both assured her. "We'll be back long before dark."
The marker which Jon fetched from the storeroom and placed near the
inner lockdoor, ready to take outside and set up, was one developed by
the scientists and technies of Terra for just such use.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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