Both the I-S men had awakened. The Com-tech appeared to accept his bonds philosophically. He was quiet and flat on his back, staring pensively at the ceiling. But the other agent had made a worm's progress half across the room and Rip had to halt in haste to prevent stepping on him. Shannon stooped and, hooking his fingers in the other's tunic, heaved him back while the helpless man favored them with some of the ripest speech--and NOT Trade Lingo--Dane had ever heard. Rip waited until the man began to run down and then he broke in with his pleasant soft drawl. "Oh, sure, we're all that. But time runs on, Eysie, and I'd like a couple of answers which may mean something to you. First--when do you expect your relief?" That set the agent off again. And his remarks--edited--were that no something, something F-T was going to get any something, something information out of him! But it was his companion in misfortune--the Com-tech--who guessed the reason behind Rip's question. "Cut jets!" he advised the other. "They're just being soft-hearted. I take it," he spoke over the other agent's sputtering to Rip, "that you're worried about leaving us fin down--That's it, isn't it?" Rip nodded. "In spite of what you think about us," he replied, "We're not Patrol Posted outlaws--" "No, you're just from a plague ship," the Com-tech remarked calmly. And his words struck his comrade dumb. "Solar Queen?" "You got the warn-off then?" "Who didn't? You really have plague on board?" The thought did not appear to alarm the Com-tech unduly. But his fellow suddenly heaved his bound body some distance away from the Free Traders and his face displayed mixed emotions--most of them fearful. "We have something--probably supplied," Rip straightened. "Might pass along to your bosses that we know that. Now suppose you tell me about your relief. When is it due?" "Not until after we take off on the long orbit if you leave us like this. On the other hand," the other added coolly, "I don't see how you can do otherwise. We've still got those--" with his chin he pointed to the com-unit. "After a few alterations," Rip amended. The bulk of the com was in a tightly sealed case which they would need a flamer to open. But he could and did wreak havoc with the exposed portions. The tech watching this destruction spouted at least two expressions his companion had not used. But when Rip finished he was his unruffled self again. "Now," Rip drew his sleep rod. "A little rest and when you wake it will all be a bad dream." He carefully beamed each man into slumber and helped Dane strip off their bonds. But before he left the room he placed on the recorder the voucher for the supplies they had taken. The Queen was not stealing--under the law she still had some shadow of rights. Suited they crossed the rough rock to the ship. And there about the fins, already frozen into brittle spikes was a tangle of plants--the rich result of years of collecting.