Aboard, all hands stood at GQ. On the flying bridge Strykalski and Coburn Whitley worked steadily to set the ship into the proper position in response to the steady flood of equations that streamed into their station from Bayne in the dorsal astrogation blister.
An hour after blasting free of Tethys was pointed at the snaking river of stars below Orion that formed the constellation of Eridanus.
When Cob asked why, Strike replied that knowing Gorman, they could expect orders from Luna Base ordering them either to attack or reconnoiter the 40 Eridani C system of five planets. Strykalski added rather dryly that it was likely to be the former, since Space Admiral Gorman had no great affection for either the Cleopatra or her crew.
Ivy Hendricks joined them after stowing her gear, and when Whitley asked her opinion, she agreed with Strike. Her experiences with Gorman had been as unfortunate as any of the others.
"I was afraid you'd say that," grumbled Cob, "I was just hoping you wouldn't."
The interphone flashed. Strike flipped the switch.
"Bridge."
"Communications here. Message from Luna Base, Captain."
"Here it is," Strykalski told Cob. "Right on time."
"Speak of the devil," muttered the Executive.