A. Belyaev - Classics of a fantasy

poles the smallest, and on the equator the greatest centrifugal effect.

Therefore an inclination armor on the equator minimum.

– And what difference in weight?

– On the equator the body weighs on the one two-hundredth share less, than on

pole.

– Only? – disappointedly Blotton told.

– Yes, only. Thanks to centrifugal effect and “inflation” of terrestrial

sphere at the equator of a body weigh on half-percent less here, than at poles.

As though really it is a little. But for the rocket important even it

reduction of weight: it gives noticeable economy in a fuel reserve. So

weight half-percent – not so small size in our enterprise.

– Well, equator. He agrees. But why this place on the equator?

– To answer also this question, we should talk already about

other armor – atmospheric. Air which we approximately do not notice,

represents almost absolute obstacle for quickly moving

bodies. The quicker the movement, the is more resistance. At very big

speeds resistance of air is almost also big, as well as resistance

solid body, – the real steel armor. This not only figurative

expression. Meteors – the stones which are on a silver platter – move from space

speed; crashing into the atmosphere, meteors more small, being heated because of

air resistance, evaporate, being besieged тончайшею by dust. Here with

what obstacle it is necessary to deal in our flight. Zhyulvernovskiye

the heroes who were taking off from the gun in a shell would have to in the first

the moment of a shot to break in flat cake against a shell bottom. To avoid

this sad fate, we will increase the speed of our rocket

gradually. We have to choose such place on the globe where

the atmospheric armor has the smallest thickness. Relative

density of air depends on pressure, temperature, humidity, and all

it, in turn, from height above sea level. Than higher over level

the seas, an armor of the atmosphere are thinner than subjects, it is easier for that to punch, therefore

it and that should be spent for it fuel less. At the height of six

density of air is approximately already twice less than kilometers, than at the level

seas. Now, I hope, it is clear to you that it is more favorable to the interplanetary ship

to start in total from perhaps higher place, with some mountain

surfaces? So what is is necessary for us? The equator and the greatest height on it.

Take the globe, and, turning it, you will see what mountain areas

crosses the equator. Islands of Sumatra and Borneo and South American

The Cordilleras – the Andes. Islands gorist. There are heights more than four

thousands of meters. It is possible that Sumatra and Borneo will become rocket airfields

future regular interplanetary travel, as well as Andes. But on these

islands., it is too crowded: oil, coal, tropical spices and

fruit and other tempting things attracted the capital and people there, and

islands became colonies of a number of powers. Besides Sumatra and Borneo

are rather far from those factories and the plants at which

parts of the rocket are produced. Transfer would cost much.

Therefore, there are Andes. Here everything that to us, is more faithful to you, is necessary:

equator, high mountains, deficiency, off road terrain, desert, solitude. Quite

also the area topography approaches. Flight will be directed on an inclined plane in

twelve degrees on the East, that is in the same direction, in what

also the globe rotates. It to use “free”

additional speed of rotation of Earth to add this speed to speed

rockets. As you can see if skillfully to undertake, then and rotation of Earth is possible

to make the ally. Between the Andes and the Rocky Mountains the valley lies. There,

where the Andes break to this valley, it is convenient to arrange the platform for running start

rockets. Having gained speed, the rocket “will break” from break to leave

Earth. Well, now all “why” are resolved? Blotton nodded:

– I thank you, everything is clear. Do not complain about me for my dullness: to me

it was not necessary to be engaged in these lofty matters.

– However we were so chattered that nearly missed landing, – told

Vinkler. – Already Stormer-city – the purpose of our travel is seen. On

any case be fastened to a chair by belts. Startodr here not quite

it is equipped.

Finger silently executed this council, but Blotton, being fastened, carelessly

told with a type of the skilled person.

– Overcaution!

Today last day…

Ellen drops on the earth of several broken roses and does not notice it.

The aunt ordered to get ready for a trip. “You can select things weight

on centner, and gram more, – she told. – You can take everything that

it is pleasant to you also that you consider it necessary”.

Ellen entered the country lock of lady Hinton from a garden on wide

to white stone ladder. Family crests over doors with cut from

gray stone lions were corroded winds and rains of four centuries.

Four hundred years sharp-toothed, oskalenny mouths of animals protected rest of the lock. And

now it is necessary to leave all to the mercy of fate if only to save themselves…

Winter garden. Fountains in marble reservoirs murmur, birds chirp.

Artificial grottoes, small falls among greens. Palm trees, cactuses

vsevozmozhneyshy types. The most valuable collection of orchids collected by her grandfather in

that time when orchids became fashionable in England and for rare copies

paid gold heaps. Some fancy copies of these exotic

flowers had the history. To receive them, courageous hunters

behind orchids went to the wild woods of the Central Africa and Southern

America, battled against savages, animals, died of fever, stings

dragon. Some of them were burned on fires, eaten by cannibals,

died of the poisoned arrows. When this watered with blood extraordinary,

as if brought from other planet, plants appeared in the capital

Great Britain, on them new hunting – hunting capital began

the aristocrats-snobs trying to catch any price in the

collection the most original and beautiful flowers. Her grandfather then bought up

the best copies, came to admire its collection from different

countries. How many works and money were cost by this winter garden!

Behind a garden the art gallery began. Entrances and exits protect

terrible knights from whom there was only a brilliant cover. They not

will lift heavy swords in protection of the lock, will not cross copies for

honor of ladies of the heart…

Hall of easel painting. Reysdal, Rosetti, Flemings, Dutches,

Spaniards, Italians. Whether not to take what from this room? Some

peace Dutch landscape?. No!

In the dining room – hills of ancient porcelain, crystal, Venetian

color glass. Unless it is possible to take these fragile things in the rocket?

Library. Books are hated it. By!.

Narrow dark corridors Ellen passed to wardrobe rooms. Here

smelled of naphthalene. Cases contained the whole history of a suit. Ellen

removed doors and looked inside. Silk, velvet, heavy brocade,

gold sewing, pearls… And what sizes! As if wore these dresses

the died-out breed of giants. Ellen reached own clothes,

where the dresses sewed for it by the best tailors were stored. To take, to be

can, this gray silk dress? Or this black, output?