"Real plain. You got good radios on these ships."
He smothered a growl. "Your lives are in danger. We're not going to chase out and rescue you unless you cooperate." It was an understatement. If they observed radio silence, search ships would never find them. They might not think of it, but he wouldn't bet. They were smart enough to steal the ship.
There was another thing. From what he'd learned from records, they were close to the exposure limit. Any moment now, they might go berserk, turning their course fatally toward the Sun. He had to be careful what he said.
"We'll get you out of this, but only if you help. I refuse to sacrifice men and waste their flight time, which is more precious than any ship, merely to save two senile incompetents. Is this clear?"
"I suppose," said Amantha. "We've got to go home."
The commander rubbed his hands. They weren't as stubborn as he feared. He'd rescue them.
"Good. I'll have men aloft in a few minutes."
"Guess it was you who didn't hear," she said. "Our home is on Earth."