“Coffee’s coming up in a minute, steaming hot with half a teaspoon of sugar.” Zip reflected for a moment about how little time he had known Steve and how well he fit in to the group of three Starmen. Steve already knew how he liked his coffee--hot and fresh--and what his favorite meal was. While he was enjoying the aroma of the meal before tucking into it, Steve brought in the coffee. Zip lifted a mouthful of roast beef and potatoes. “What’s going on?” he repeated. “Mark got hold of the big guys in Eagle City, told ’em what was going on out here. They told us to wait until the Earth forces showed up and then get on back to Mars. We’ve been under way almost an hour.” Zip nodded. “Mark says there’s more and wants to talk to you whenever you’re ready.” “Send him in.” Mark came in as Zip put a fork into a chunk of tomato and lifted it out of the bowl, dripping with dressing. “This really is delicious, Steve!” he called out as Steve disappeared onto the flight deck, leaving the two Starmen to themselves. “Steve told you we’re on our way back to Mars, I’m sure,” said Mark by way of preamble. Zip nodded. “Commander De Koven also said that we are to report directly to Mars Base. We drop Steve off at Eagle City and go right on to the Base without getting out of the ship.” Mars Base was Starlight Enterprise’s headquarters on Mars. It was a huge plant, covering several thousand acres of Martian desert near the north pole and far from any other settlement. “What’s up?” Zip’s gray eyes peered over the rim of the coffee mug as he took a swallow. “There’s no danger of further attack on Mars--everything seems to be secure in Eagle City--but we’re to be given an assignment with a ‘significant time factor,’ as the Commander put it. Too sensitive to put out over the radio even with scramblers and tight beam.” “They must’ve learned something from the pirates they captured.” Joe peeked around the corner. “No--I think they’re going to give us a medal and a month off for liberating Eagle City!” * * * * * Two days later, the _Star Ranger_ was cruising at a good clip a few miles above the Martian desert. Eagle City was behind them, and the course was set almost due north. Mark was reminiscing about the parting with Steve. “Don’t worry about a thing, boys--I’ll make sure the little folk get back to the Moon safely enough.” Steve was referring to Jack and Jill, the diminutive citizens of Titan who had played a critical role in rescuing Eagle City from the pirates during their assault on Mars.