MiNRS Read Online Free Page B

a theory that worked in practice, that is all.”
    The voiceover returned.
    “There was one more miracle that even Melming had not anticipated. The Sun caught Perses in its orbit, pulling it into what is known as the habitable zone, not too hot or too cold for life.
    “The Sun’s heat melted the surface. There was water. Spectral examination showed Perses also had everything else the Earth desperately needed—minerals, nutrients, precious metals.
    “Hans Melming founded a space exploration mining company, with invention after invention bringing the exploration of Perses closer to reality. Melming Mining is a nonprofit scientific company dedicated to providing equal resources to all the nations of Earth. The world’s governments pledged their support to Melming’s vision to mine Perses to save humanity. Hans Melming called this plan the Great Mission.
    One last news report closed the movie. I always liked this one because it showed a picture of a little me, waving as we got into our shuttle to Perses. And my dad and mom even got interviewed.
    A smiling reporter stood outside the launch pad.
    “Melming Mining is about to launch the Great Mission—a manned mining colony on Perses. Terra-forming has been in place for the past two years, making much of the surface habitable.
    “A handful of brave men and women have signed on to help mine the resources of the planetoid for transport back to Earth. And families are more than welcome.
    “James and Susan Nichols are even bringing their son along.”
    There was a close-up of my father.
    “Melming Mining has a longer vision, settling Perses as a colony. So there are a number of families, like ours, who are coming. Happier employees are better employees.”
    My mom’s face filled the screen.
    “Besides, our son, Christopher, has wanted to go to space since the day he was born. I think he’s more excited than we are!”
    There was a close-up of me, beaming.
    The reporter came back on-screen.
    “ Melming Mining expects it will take up to six years to make the colony fully operational and ready to send the first shipments home. One thing is for certain. Everyone on Earth is cheering for these brave men, women—and children—hoping the Great Mission is yet one more miracle.”
    There was a swell of music as the screen showed our shuttle blasting off into space.
    The lights came back up in the auditorium.
    My heart was racing. I wanted to pump the air with my fist and let out a loud whoop!
    Mr. Murphy walked back to the podium.
    “Now, that’s why we are here. We are here to help. That means we need to be brave and we need to make sacrifices. I know that can sound a little frightening. But I have a surprise announcement that might make the Blackout a little less scary.”
    An electric murmur shot through the students.
    “As you were making your way into the auditorium, more than a few people, managers, teachers, and even my son, Jimmi, approached me with a suggestion.”
    Elena turned to me, a huge grin spreading across her face.
    We looked over at Jimmi, who was also grinningfrom ear to ear. He looked at us and nodded. “I rock,” he mouthed.
    “I have quickly conferred with my management team, and it has been decided that we should greet the arrival of the first Blackout of the Great Mission with a party.”
    Elena leaped up onto her chair seat and began whipping her hand over her head. “Yes! Yes!” she said.
    My mother turned around quickly, motioning for Elena to sit down.
    As Elena sat down, she slapped me on the shoulder. “A party! A real party! We did it!”
    She gave me a high five, and then stared at me, eyes wide.
    Mr. Murphy was announcing some of the possible plans, but Elena was just staring at me. It was making me feel uncomfortable.
    “What? Do I have something on my face?”
    She shook her head. “No. I was just thinking. This will be the first real party we’ve ever had up here.”
    “We’ve had birthday parties and stuff,” I said, not