Lunar Escape

It is the year 2011. The visions of private travel to other planets in the solar system have finally been realized. You are among the first to receive a private space pilot's license. Ever since America landed the first men on the moon in

1969, you've had a burning ambition to be among the first private citizens to walk on the lunar surface.

So you saved your money for years and realized some big profits from some risky investments, enough to make it possible for you to acquire your own spaceship - a luxury model Independence Shuttle TX-7207 with all the modern-day conveniences. "Moon or bust!" reads the fin sticker on your ship. You've packed enough food to last for a couple of

weeks, the planned duration of your trip.

Just prior to takeoff, you receive a message from the solar police asking if you can deliver a dangerous prisoner to another planet after your visit. They know it's an inconvenience and they're to sorry to have to ask, but the prisoner is

scheduled to go on trial soon. If he is not tried, he will be freed. And we wouldn't want that, would we? They even provide an escort for the prisoner so that you will not have to bother with him. You reluctantly agree, trusting in the security measures of your ship.

The prisoner is soon forgotten as you and fellow passengers marvel at the spectacular sights of the solar system visible through the ship's portholes. Between turns at the control panel, you are able to relax for the most part because the sentry robots prepare and serve the food, and even relieve you from the piloting duties. You are in the middle of a sound sleep one evening (according to your super modern Co Co wristwatch) with the ship approaching the far side of

the moon when it happens. The ship begins vibrating violently. The red lights and the warning buzzers throughout the shuttle signal impending disaster. The sentry robots are rolling about uncontrollably, seemingly panic stricken.

Objects are flying through the air. Making your way to the control room, you react quickly. Pushing all the right buttons, you are able to activate the thrusters enough to keep the ship from hitting the lunar surface at full speed. The ship bounces around a few times before it finally comes to a complete stop. When you regain consciousness, you press a hand to your head to check the extent of cuts you suffered during the crash. There is no sign of life on the ship. The prisoner is not in the cell, but you rationalize that he was probably thrown clear of the ship. The robots appear to have been spared, except that they are making some strange sounding beeps on occasion.

You seek out Sam, the master robot, to see if it can be of any assistance. As you are examining the robot's controls, however, Sam suddenly grabs you and hurls you out of the ship. As you pick yourself up, you hear laughter coming from the ship. The prisoner obviously is alive and well, and in control of the robots. You realize that your work is cut out for you if you are to regain control of the ship, get it in working order, deliver the prisoner and return to earth.