Randall Garrett
Spatial Delivery
"Spatial Delivery" by Randall Garrett is a science fiction short story published in the mid-20th century. The narrative unfolds aboard Space Station One, where Lieutenant Alice Britton faces an unexpected premature labor while stationed in space, highlighting the unique challenges and circumstances of childbirth beyond Earth. The story delves into themes of medical responsibility in space and the courage required in unprecedented situations. As the plot progresses, Alice Britton endures contractions and pain while Major Peter Banes, the station's medical officer, grapples with the lack of essential medical equipment like an incubator for a premature baby. Tension builds as Banes communicates with White Sands Rocket Base, coordinating an emergency rocket trip to bring supplies and a medical expert. Despite initial fears and complications, Alice's quick thinking reveals that the space station itself offers a protective environment akin to an incubator. In the end, her son, James Edward Britton II, is delivered successfully, showcasing a blend of human resilience and innovative problem-solving amid the vastness of space.