I said, "No more trouble from me, Miko. But these passengers--what preparation are you making for them on the asteroid?" * * * * * He stared in surprise. Then he laughed. "I am no murderer. The crew is preparing food, all we can spare. And tools. They can build themselves shelter--they will be picked up in a few weeks." Dr. Frank was here. I caught his gaze, but he did not speak. On the lounge couches there still lay the quarter-score bodies. Rankin, who had been killed by Blackstone in the fight; a man passenger killed; a woman and a man wounded. Miko added, "Dr. Frank will take his medical supplies--he 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 eyeing me. I said: "You have nothing to fear. I will guarantee you the best equipment we can spare. You will give them apparatus with which to signal?" I demanded of Miko. "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 word with me. I stood before the terrified woman while the little girl 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 passengers go ashore." "Why? No, of course you will have food, Mrs. Francis." "Never mind! 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?" "Of course, Hahn. I am no more anxious for a crash than you." He sighed with relief. "That is true. I am no expert at atmospheric entry, Haljan--nor Coniston, nor Miko." "Have no fear. Sit down, Moa." I waved to the look-out in the forward watch-tower, and got his routine gesture. I rang the corridor bells, and the normal signals came promptly back.