Where I Wasn't Going

"Where I Wasn't Going" by Walt Richmond and Leigh Richmond is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The story revolves around the operations aboard Space Lab One, an ambitious UN project designed to conduct experiments in space and study the broader implications of human existence beyond Earth. The narrative features various characters, including chief engineer Mike Blackhawk and operations officer Bessandra Khamar, who find themselves confronted with the complexities and dangers of space exploration. The opening of the book introduces readers to Mike Blackhawk as he prepares for his duties at Space Lab One, detailing his inspection of the facility and the intricacies of its operation. It establishes the scientific and political atmosphere surrounding the lab, reflecting on past tensions and the importance of international cooperation in the age of space exploration. As the preparations unfold, characters display humor and camaraderie amidst the challenges of their environment, yet an ominous indication of a solar flare is also hinted at, foreshadowing potential conflict and chaos ahead. The beginning captures the essence of life aboard an advanced space station, setting up the reader for a journey that intertwines the marvels of human ingenuity with the harsh realities of outer space.