 Some time prior to the opening of the book and his training at the academy, Fred had been living with his father aboard the space station which his father commands.When it had become clear that the United States was falling behind in the race to the Moon, Fred stole one of the taxi rockets from the station and made a successful trip to the Moon on his own.On touch-down, however, his rocket tipped over, landing on the air-lock, and trapping Fred inside.