"Emergency control. The ship's computer knows that something drastic is wrong, so it has taken over. You can override it with the manuals, but don't bother yet. The ship can do a better job than either of us with its senses and stored data. It will find the planet we're looking for, plot a course and get us there with the most economy of time and fuel. When we get into the atmosphere you can take over and look for a spot to set down." "I don't believe a word you say now," Mikah said grimly. "I'm going to take control and get a call out on the emergency band. Someone will hear it." As he started forward the ship lurched again and all the lights went out. In the darkness flames could be seen flickering inside the controls. There was a hiss of foam and they vanished. With a weak flicker the emergency lighting circuit came on. "Shouldn't have thrown the Ramon Lull book," Jason said. "The ship can't stomach it any more than I could." "You are irreverent and profane," Mikah said through his clenched teeth, as he went to the controls. "You attempt to kill us both. You have no respect for your own life or mine. You're a man who deserves the worst punishment the law allows." "I'm a gambler," Jason laughed. "Not at all as bad as you say. I take chances--but I only take them when the odds are right. You were carrying me back to certain death. The worst my wrecking the controls can do is administer the same end. So I took a chance. There is a bigger risk factor for you of course, but I'm afraid I didn't take that into consideration. After all, this entire affair is your idea. You'll just have to take the consequences of your own actions and not scold me for them." "You're perfectly right," Mikah said quietly. "I should have been more alert. Now will you tell me what to do to save _both_ our lives. None of the controls work." "None! Did you try the emergency override? The big red switch under the safety housing." "I did. It is dead, too." Jason slumped back into the seat. It was a moment before he could speak. "Read one of your books, Mikah," he said at last. "Seek consolation in your philosophy. There's nothing we can do. It's all up to the computer now, and whatever is left of the circuits." "Can't we help--repair anything?" "Are you a ship technician? I'm not. We would probably do more harm than good." * * * * * It took two ship-days of very erratic flight to reach the planet. A haze of clouds obscured the atmosphere. They approached from the night side and no details were visible. Or lights. "If there were cities we should see their lights--shouldn't we?" Mikah asked. "Not necessarily. Could be storms. Could be enclosed cities. Could be only ocean in this hemisphere." "Or it could be that there are no people down there. Even if the ship should get us down safely--what will it matter? We will be trapped for the rest of our lives on this lost planet at the end of the universe."