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Article 23

William R. Forstchen

This is a work of fiction. All the characters and events portrayed in this book are fictional, and any
resemblance to real people or events is purelycoincidental

Copyright 1998 by William R. Forstchen

All rights reserved, including the rightto reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form.

A Baen Books Original

Baen Publishing Enterprises P.O. Box 1403Riverdale NY 10471

ISBN 0-671-87889-1 Cover art by GaryRuddell First printing, September, 1998

Distributed by Simon amp; Schuster 1230 Avenue of the Americas NewYork, NY 10020

Typeset by Windhaven Press, Auburn NHPrinted in the United States of AmericaFor Jeff Ethell, military
aviation historian, who, on the day this book was finished, was killed flying a P-38 Lightning. As of the
time of this writing it is believed that the plane suffered a major mechanical failure and Jeff sacrificed his
life trying to bring it in safely rather than let a historic plane be destroyed.

Jeff's love of history, his ability as a writer, his dedication to honoring the memory of those who served in
World War II, his devotion to his faith and his family, and his remarkable skill as a pilot were an
inspiration to those fortunate enough to call Jeff friend.

All who knew you shall miss you, Jeff and thanks for the ride in the P-51 Mustang. It was the fulfillment
of a lifelong dream, and I'll never forget it or you.

"For you have slipped the surly bonds of Earth and touched the face of God."

FrorrfHigh Flight" by John Gillespie McGee

Chapter I

Justin Bell was heading back to the stars.

He settled back in his chair and felt a chill of excitement race down his back as the airlock door to the
Skyhook turbolift slammed shut. He looked over at Matt Everett, his best friend from the Academy, and
smiled.

"Well, buddy, good-bye Earth, but back home for you," Justin said with a smile.

"I finally got a chance to see a sunset and go canoeing. There's a lot about Earth I'll miss," Matt replied
wistfully.

"But gravity sure ain't one of them," Justin laughed.