Space Station Crisis: Star Challengers Book 2 Read Free Page B

about how the Star Challengers had gone to the future, visited the Moon, and tried to save Moonbase Magellan. Not that Tony would believe her anyway. “It’s at the Challenger Center.”
    “Hey, that was my favorite field trip ever! Made me think of how awesome it would be to be a real astronaut. That simulation was very realistic.”
    JJ was surprised by his enthusiasm. And you don’t know the half of it, she thought.
    “Believe me, sometimes when I’m doing routines on the rings or parallel bars, I think about what it would feel like to be totally weightless.”
    Tony was one of the top gymnasts at their high school. Sometimes JJ stayed after school to watch him practice. Tony could do an iron cross on the rings, which showed how strong his arms and shoulders were. It had always amazed her that someone so smart was also so athletic.
    “I’m going to be an astronaut,” JJ said. “That’s one reason I love going to the Challenger Center.”
    “So, what’s the program? Can I come along?” He glanced down at the algebra book, but pushed the homework aside. “I just happen to be free on Saturday.”
    “I ….” JJ felt awkward. Commander Zota had chosen their team specifically, briefed them on the realities of living in space and on the Moon, and sent them on their mission. That adventure had convinced the Star Challengers how urgent it was for the next generation to learn about science, math, and engineering. Zota had also given them a stern warning not to reveal the truth of who he was and what he could do.
    “Well, I’d love to have you there, but … it’s sort of a private deal—my brother and me, and a couple of others.” Spock sauntered in from the kitchen, jumped onto the coffee table, and purred loudly for attention. JJ petted him, not sure what else to tell her friend. “Maybe another time.”
    Tony looked disappointed, but he forced a smile. “I remember you saying you would go to the Moon someday. ‘Moon, sweet Moon,’ right? Of all the people who talk about things like that, I actually believe you could do it.”
    For a moment, JJ saw it all again in her mind—the stark beauty of the lunar surface, how she could jump high off the ground with so little effort (even in her bulky space suit), the meteor showers … the alien attacks. She sighed. “Yeah. Moon, sweet Moon.”
    Tony propped his elbow on the coffee table and put his chin on his hand. “Well, if you’re going to be an astronaut, maybe I’ll become a rocket scientist.”
    JJ thought about the quest that Zota had given them—to encourage people their age to study sciences. The human race needed more scientists. Maybe she could convince him to let Tony go on a future mission.
    She brightened. “Know what rocket scientists have to learn?”
    “What?”
    “Math.” She nudged Spock off of the algebra book and pushed it back toward Tony.
    He pounded his fist against his palm, like a fighter getting ready to take on an opponent. “Then let’s focus on the homework and get this done.”
    ***

Three
    JJ’s heart raced at the sight of the Challenger Center when their mom drove up to drop her and Dyl off. Her brother fidgeted with anticipation of the day’s upcoming adventure. The Center was still the same squat, unassuming brick building it had always been, with a large-scale model of a rocket standing tall in front of it. But now that JJ and Dyl knew what was inside, it seemed more tantalizing.
    “I’m glad you’re excited about this,” said Mrs. Wren, “especially since I have to pull an extra shift today. You enjoyed Mr. Zota’s last simulation so much that I know you’ll have a good time. Are you sure I don’t need to pick you up?”
    “Already got it covered,” JJ assured her.
    “Song-Ye’s driver Winston will take us home afterward—in a limo,” Dyl said. “Cool, huh?”
    JJ added, “We’ve made some good friends.”
    Climbing out of the car, Dyl set his crutches firmly on the pavement and moved aside.