He nudged the switch and sat down.
His face was gray.
"I don't like to bother you," said Jordan, "but what shall we do about them?"
Docchi glanced at the telecom. "They" were uncomfortably close and considerably more numerous than the last time he had looked.
"Take evasive action," he said wearily. "Swing close to Earth and use the planet's gravity to give us a good push. We've got to keep out of their hands until people have time to react."
"I think you ought to know—" began Cameron. There was an odd tone to his voice.
"Save it for later," said Docchi. "I'm going to sleep." His body sagged. "Jordan, wake me up if anything important happens. And remember that you don't have to listen to this fellow unless you want to."
Jordan nodded and touched the controls. Nona, leaning against the gravital panel, paid no attention to the scene. She seemed to be listening to something nobody else could hear. That was nothing new, but it broke Docchi's heart whenever he saw it. His breath drew in almost with a sob as he left the control room.
