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Every once in a while I look up at the moon, but not too often: been there, done that, as I hope I have explained properly in this book.
Fame has not worn well on Buzz. I think he resents not being first on the moon more than he appreciates being second.
Perhaps public support might have been stronger had the public really understood what the astronauts were talking about; on the other hand, I suppose some mystique is desirable in any enterprise.
Then it’s time to don a triangular yellow plastic urine bag by inserting the penis into a rubber receiver built into one corner of it. There are three sizes of receivers (small, medium, large), which are always referred to in more heroic terms: extra large, immense, and unbelievable.
Super-retro is John Llewelyn, one of the flight-control team specializing in re-entry, and if we make a mistake, Super-retro is going to get so pissed off he will stick his strong Welsh arm up here and yank us out of the sky.
The most important message of my life, and I can’t remember the medium of its delivery (what would McLuhan think about that?).
There is no comfort to it; it is too stark and barren; its invitation is monotonous and meant for geologists only.
I know that I would be a liar or a fool if I said that I have the best of the three Apollo 11 seats, but I can say with truth and equanimity that I am perfectly satisfied with the one I have. This venture has been structured for three men, and I consider my third to be as necessary as either of the other two.
If they fail to rise from the surface, or crash back into it, I am not going to commit suicide; I am coming home, forthwith, but I will be a marked man for life and I know it.
“Spacecraft 107—alias Apollo 11—alias Columbia. The best ship to come down the line. God Bless Her. Michael Collins, CMP.”
In similar fashion, I want to walk over the recently constructed bridge connecting Europe and Asia, but I don’t think I will. I think having it to walk over is better than having walked over it.
