"We figured the chances if we keep on course," Bleck went on, breathing a little heavier. "They're three to one against making it. I don't like those odds, Hiller,"--his upper lip was curling a little--"and we didn't agree to odds like that when we volunteered. With what we know now, we can plan another trip and avoid this mess next time. That way, you'd only waste time and money; going ahead, we waste that plus the priceless knowledge of these scientists, the best the States has to offer." While Bleck was blowing off, Hiller had studied each man in turn. They hardly represented a crew, though the men had specific jobs to perform during takeoff, transit, and setdown. They represented specialists who would bring back for the first time authoritative reports on Mars--the first two ships had not returned.... Marship III, several times the size of the first ones, but not one-hundredth as much publicized, had been under construction since the first Marship attempts. The crew technicians Hiller possessed on the trip were three. And as he found the eyes of each, he realized they were not with Bleck. Art Eastburn, an all-around engineer, whose capacity continued to amaze Hiller, and who had helped build the Marships. Dave Hollender, astronavigator, bucking for a space ride ever since the moon-missile days; a cool thinker, who had the solar system duplicated and in accurate motion inside his skull. Wendell Merrick, electronics engineer, who supervised the wiring of Marship III and was sensitive to the click of every relay in the almost fully automatic craft. These were with him, which fundamentally meant they were willing to continue on course if he so decided. The others had succumbed to fear, and they recognized no authority nor purpose: their choice was a reactionary Earthward course. * * * * * "Dammitohell, Hiller, we want an answer!" The commander's silence had edged Bleck better than words. "The issue can't be plainer. Let's get this indecision over with and give the orders to circle back! Or do you want us to end up as dead as the first two Mars attempts!" "Again, Bleck, I haven't decided," said Commander Hiller coolly. "I'm going to take more photographs with the Newtonian. What comes out of that will affect any decision I have to make. But since we're so concerned with decisions, Bleck, have you decided what you'll do if I should order us through?" The commander's unexpected and pointed directness left Bleck blinking long enough for Eastburn to cut in before any heated rejoinder by the young nuclear engineer. Eastburn, because of his prominence and experience, held the respect of most of the men. "When I volunteered for this jaunt, I also agreed to follow the commander's orders," Eastburn said firmly. "He may be wrong, but I could just as well be wrong in thinking he is. We're after unity of action, so at least something gets done in some direction."