gaze but he did not speak. On the
lounge couches there still lay the five bodies. Rankin, who had been
killed by Blackstone in the fight; a man passenger killed; a woman and
a man wounded, as well.

Miko added, "Dr. Frank will take his medical supplies and will care
for the wounded. There are other bodies among the crew." His gesture
was deprecating. "I have not buried them. We will put them ashore;
easier that way."

The passengers were all eying me. I said:

"You have nothing to fear. I will guarantee you the best equipment we
can spare." I turned to Miko. "You will give them apparatus with which
to signal?"

"Yes. Get to the turret."

I turned away, with Moa after me. Again the little girl ran forward.

"Come ... speak to my Moms; she is crying."

It was across the cabin from Miko. Coniston had appeared from the
deck; it created a slight diversion. He joined Miko.

"Wait," I said to Moa. "She is afraid of you. This is humanity."

I pushed Moa back. I followed the child. I had seen that Venza was
sitting with the child's weeping mother. This was a ruse to get a word
with me.

I stood before the terrified woman while the child clung to my legs.

I said gently, "Don't be so frightened. Dr. Frank will take care of
you. There is no danger; you will be safer on the asteroid than here
on the ship." I leaned down and touched her shoulder. "There is no
danger."

I was between Venza and the open cabin. Venza whispered swiftly, "When
we are landing, Gregg, I want you to make a commotion--anything--just
as the women go ashore."

"Why? Of course you will have food, Mrs. Francis."

"Never mind details! An instant--just confusion. Go, Gregg--don't
speak now!"

I raised the child. "You take care of Mother." I kissed her.

From across the cabin, Miko's sardonic voice made me turn. "Touching
sentimentality, Haljan! Get to your post in the turret!"

His rasping note of annoyance brooked no delay. I set the child down.
I said, "I will land us in an hour. Depend on it."

Hahn was at the controls when Moa and I reached the turret.

"You will land us safely, Haljan?" he demanded anxiously.

I pushed him away. "Miko wants you in the lounge."

"You take command here?"

"Yes. I am no more anxious for a crash than you are, Hahn."

He sighed with relief. "That is true, of course. I am no expert at
atmospheric entry."

"Have no fear. Sit down, Moa."

I waved to the lookout in the forward watch tower, and got his