"Close stern hatch!" he ordered.
A dial flicked on the panel before him, and from the loudspeaker a voice answered:
"Hatch closed, sir."
"Close midships-tower."
"Midships-tower closed."
"Gunner's mate!" Standish called. "Test all gun swivels, air locks and automatic loaders."
There was a moment's pause. Then:
"All guns tested, sir."
Standish motioned Ga-Marr to shut the pilot cuddy hatch. But before Ga-Marr could swing the hermetic barrier into position, a lithe figure leaped down the ladder. It was the Earth girl—Thalia.
"I'm going with you," she said. "This is my battle as well as yours."