w and worked backwards. Her trip to Outer Port
had been her first space flight, a fact that amazed Mike in this age
when even the middle-class Terrans vacationed on Mars.

"We had so little time," Doree said. "And so little money."

He explained the working of the _Space Queen_, enjoying the chore, and
they worked their way slowly backward. Amidship, Doree said, "I think
I'll look in on father."

She went below and almost immediately, Nicko appeared at the after end
of the companionway. "We've got company, Mike."

"What do you mean, company?"

"Ship winging to."

Mike scowled. "Out here? The radio hasn't spoken. Maybe they're in
trouble and can't sound out."

He ran aft, Nicko stumping along behind. He looked out the stern port.
A ship all right. A slim cruiser of the D class, the light of faraway
suns reflecting against its hull, giving it the ghostly appearance of
all craft in space.

"Ever see that ship before?" Mike asked.

"Not me. I'll bet my right top arm it never moored at Outer Port. If
it had we'd know the boat."

"Lots of ships never moored at Outer Port. Go forward and see if you
can speak to them. Maybe they can sound in."

Nicko left and Mike watched the ship arc closer. Mike admired the
skill of the pilot, then realized the ship was on complete automatic,
taking its impulses from radar bounced against the hull of the _Space
Queen_. No human pilot could hold a ship that steady.

She appeared intent on locking to the _Space Queen_'s after hatch.
Mike wished her all the luck in the universe and hoped he had what she
was looking for. In case of illness his stock of medicines was only
standard and would not cover any extraordinary cases.

* * * * *

Then he stiffened. There was movement next to the antenna prow on the
ship's nose. A small hatch was opening. Mike cursed himself for
stupidity. Yet at the same time, he could think of nothing that should
have made him suspicious. These were peaceful areas. It would have
been ridiculous for bandits to work this area. Raiding here made as
much sense as operating in the heart of the Gobi Desert back on Terra.

Even as he whirled to try and reach the control cabin in time, a steel
arm shot out from the pit uncovered by the raised hatch. Mike didn't
see the fine-wired grid at the end of the arm but he knew it was there
and he knew its purpose.

* * * * *

As he ran, he sensed the magnet