," Mikah said through his clenched
teeth, as he went to the controls. "You attempt to kill us both. You
have no respect for your own life or mine. You're a man who deserves
the worst punishment the law allows."

"I'm a gambler," Jason laughed. "Not at all as bad as you say. I take
chances--but I only take them when the odds are right. You were
carrying me back to certain death. The worst my wrecking the controls
can do is administer the same end. So I took a chance. There is a
bigger risk factor for you of course, but I'm afraid I didn't take
that into consideration. After all, this entire affair is your idea.
You'll just have to take the consequences of your own actions and not
scold me for them."

"You're perfectly right," Mikah said quietly. "I should have been more
alert. Now will you tell me what to do to save _both_ our lives. None
of the controls work."

"None! Did you try the emergency override? The big red switch under
the safety housing."

"I did. It is dead, too."

Jason slumped back into the seat. It was a moment before he could
speak. "Read one of your books, Mikah," he said at last. "Seek
consolation in your philosophy. There's nothing we can do. It's all up
to the computer now, and whatever is left of the circuits."

"Can't we help--repair anything?"

"Are you a ship technician? I'm not. We would probably do more harm
than good."

* * * * *

It took two ship-days of very erratic flight to reach the planet. A
haze of clouds obscured the atmosphere. They approached from the night
side and no details were visible. Or lights.

"If there were cities we should see their lights--shouldn't we?" Mikah
asked.

"Not necessarily. Could be storms. Could be enclosed cities. Could be
only ocean in this hemisphere."

"Or it could be that there are no people down there. Even if the ship
should get us down safely--what will it matter? We will be trapped for
the rest of our lives on this lost planet at the end of the universe."

"Don't be so cheerful," Jason interrupted. "How about taking off these
cuffs while we go down. It will probably be a rough landing and I'd
like to have some kind of a chance."

Mikah frowned at him. "Will you give me your word of honor that you
won't try to escape during the landing?"

"No. And if I gave it--would you believe it? If you let me go, you
take your chances. Let neither of us think it will be any different."

"I have my duty to do," Mi