They waited.
"Good Lord!" said Parker. "How long is it going to be? What time is it? We've been waiting an hour! What kind of people are they down there?"
"Maybe they've forgotten about us," said Fong.
"That's it!" cried Parker. "They've forgotten about us! Hey, you! Down there—you that talked to us! We're still here, damn it! We want to land!"
"Parker," said Captain Wiley, sternly.
Parker sat down on his couch, his lips quivering.
Then came the voice:
"We regret that a landing is impossible at this moment. Our field is overcrowded, and your vessel is without priority. You must wait your turn."
Captain Wiley stared forward at nothing. "Whoever you are," he whispered, "please understand that we have come a long way to reach your planet. Our trip...."
"We do not wish to discuss your trip. You will be notified when landing space is available."