Parker studied the shiny concrete hangar floor. Sunny’s smile filled him with warmth. She was right. He was thinking too much. He often said those exact words to Bubba when they played Go-Boy together, teaming up against a couple of kids from California or Vietnam.
“Well? Go on, smart aleck,” said Colby.
“I’m goin’, I’m goin’.” There’s no going back now. Parker moved around a bit inside the suit and found it moved with him, leaning side to side and front to back. He prepared to take his first step. He paused for one last moment, trying to clear his mind.
“If I’d have gone first, Dr. Red would be dead by now,” Colby said in as monotone, sarcastic, and dispassionate a voice as he could obviously muster.
Parker ignored him.
“Go ahead, Parker,” said General Ramsey, “take the sword from the stone.”
Parker bent his knees and jumped with all his might.