Val started the burn as instructed to push them into the eccentric orbit needed for a "slingshot". It was a fairly simplistic name for a rather complicated maneuver. In fact, an average pilot might not even be able to pull it off. There would essentially be four major burns with course corrections along the way. Her concentration was broken by her crewmate once again. Valerie was not amused by his ego and it was clear to see on her face. [b]"Of course I know who ye are. Alexander Johns, age twenty six, height approximately five foot one, weight around a hundred twenty five pounds or so. Graduated top o' yer class. Various scientific degrees, expertise relevant to the mission blah blah blah. Personnel file's included in the mission brief, though they forgot to mention you were so in love with the sound of your own voice."[/b] 

The first burn was simple enough since they would only be pushing the periapsis up far enough to use the orbit's eccentricity to amplify their next burn. That will take place as they are falling towards the planet thus using the Earth's gravity to assist in accelerating to an escape orbit thus performing a 'slingshot' around the earth. They would still, of course, have to perform the same maneuver around the sun itself. [b]"I'm sure you've plenty to do Doctor Johns. I'll be checkin' the reaction control thrusters in the mean time, felt a bit sluggish. Give a shout if ye break somethin'."[/b] Val got up from the pilot's seat and synchronized her watch to the clock tracking mission time. That way she would know when the next scheduled burn was approaching. Ignoring Alex for the most part she made her way towards the rear of the ship towards the engineering bay where most of the ship's guts could be found.