They topped another rise as Boone reached his decision ... looked out across a flower-field into the valley where the familiar scarlet outlines of the ramped Independent carrier rose.
It would be only simple justice were they to steal that captured craft back from Krobis.
Boldly, Boone strode forward. It was as if, suddenly, all fear had left him.
Or perhaps he knew instinctively, somehow, that here audacity might win where stealth had failed.
The flower-field fell behind them. They moved down a brushy draw into the valley. On, to the outskirts of the base camp.
And still no guards rose up to halt them. A strange, deserted air hung about the place. There was no sign of life, no human movement.
On, through the camp grounds. Across to the carrier. Around the great ramping-fins to the yawning hatchway.
Still naught but silence. An echoing silence, too complete to believe.
Eileen pressed against Boone. "Fred, I'm afraid!"
Only it was too late for fears now; too late for panic. He climbed through the port, not even answering.