"We need you, Garcia. You've got to take care of those engines. We'll have a trial. Court is now in session. How do you plead?"
"I—"
"Guilty. Okay. Sentence suspended. Let's get aboard."
He kept his hand in his pocket, tight about the pistol. To Taaleeb he said, "Thanks, friend, but I guess we won't need your help after all." He shot out the thought: Keep smiling, fellow. Keep smiling until the very last second.
Fox slapped Kelly's face to gain his attention. "Kelly, we're going back to Earth. We're going home, back where your wife is. You want to come along or stay here alone?"
"Alone?"
"Alone."
"Kelly, Kelly—"
"Where, Kelly? To the village or to Earth? Damn you, say it!"
"Kelly go—Earth."