Aside from the time element, which was vital, he couldn't tip the police off that he intended to leave.
"Thanks," he said, taking the passport. "I'll call back when I make up my mind."
Down the street was another interplanetary flight office and he wandered into it. It might have been the same office he had just left, robot and all.
"Information on Mars," he said, his manner casual.
The clerk didn't bother to consult the schedule. There was a difference, after all. "There'll be an orbit flight in four months," it said pleasantly. "Rate, four-fifths of the standard fare to Earth."
Nothing was working out as expected. "What about the moons of Jupiter?" This was the last chance.
"Due to the position of the planets, for the next few months there are no direct flights anywhere beyond Mars. You have to go there and transfer."
That escape was closed. "I can't make plans so far in advance."
The robot beamed at him. "I can see that you're a gentleman who likes to travel." It grew confidential and leaned over the counter. "I have a bargain here, truly the most sensational we've ever offered."
Jadiver drew away from that eagerness. "What is this bargain?"