Patch

"Patch" by William Shedenhelm is a science fiction story that takes place in a futuristic world of commonplace space travel where an experienced space pilot named Pop Gillette faces the challenge of obsolescence. Pop, a seasoned pilot, is unwilling to step aside as automated systems take over his work. When a distress signal arrives from a damaged space liner, Pop sees an chance to prove his worth, using his old-school skills to create a solution to repair a massive hole in the ship. Utilizing unconventional methods, such as freezing mercury and using bedsheets as a mold, Pop patches the ship and orchestrates a safe landing, demonstrating how crucial experience and creativity remain, even in an age of advanced technology.