"Let some one else have my place, sir. I haven't long to live anyway, you know. I don't mind staying behind."
The Captain steadied his pistol. "Get in. That's an order. This is no time for mock heroics. You should have gone with Boat D to look after the women and children. Whether you live a month or a year doesn't matter to me, but it is important that you use your medical skill to take care of these people until they are rescued."
With a dazed look, Alan walked through the port.
"And you, and you, and you...."
Thayer called out at last. "That's all, sir. No more room."
"None at all? You're sure?"
"Certain, sir. The talley is three hundred and thirty...."
Nearly a hundred men remained in the corridor. Ashen-faced but calm, they stared at the rectangular doorway which would have meant a chance to live.
"In you go, Thayer," said the Captain. "Prepare to release."