GUEST: EAA Reporter Angela Satterlee
The Rocket Boys are making post-flight calculations.
“Looks like twelve seconds,” says Quentin, looking at a pocket watch.
“Which one of you is Homer Hickam?” asks a man in a fedora.
“It’s me, sir,” replies Homer.
“I’m Basil Thorpe with the Bluefield Telegraph,” says the man. “Can I ask you a few questions?”
“Sure,” says Homer.
Later, at school, Homer reads a newspaper article to the other boys.
“The silvery cylinder burst forth in a fiery column of smoke and flame, racing the very wind as it soared into the sky – a messenger of these Rocket Boys of Big Creek. These boys who use their brains, not brawn. Who play not football, but with Apollo’s fire.” says Homer.
Dorothy Platt stands in front of Homer with a copy of the same newspaper.
“Hi, Homer,” says Dorothy.
“Hi, Dorothy,” says Homer.
“Would you please sign my newspaper?” asks Dorothy.
“Sure!” says Homer, smiling.
“I just know you’re gonna be really famous someday,” says Dorothy, as Homer starts to sign the paper.
“H-O-M-E-R,” says Roy Lee, sarcastically.
A state trooper walks up to the group, with Principal Turner leading the way.
“Which one of you fellas is Homer Hickam?” asks the trooper.
Later, inside the school, Miss Riley pushes through a crowd of students looking in to the Principal’s office.
“Excuse me,” says Miss Riley. She opens the door and finds the Rocket Boys in handcuffs, while a trooper is talking to them.
“- Which cost the taxpayers–” continues the trooper.