Templin tried to nod, but was slightly handicapped by the bed underneath him. "I would have pulled my trusty atomgun and plugged him."
Eckert went over to where they kept their luggage and started pulling the boxes out from the wall. "Well, I've got good news for you. A liner just landed to pick us up. They were going through this sector and they got an order from the Service to stop by for us. Some cargo-wallopers will be here in a few minutes to help us with our gear."
"Ted."
Eckert paused.
"Yes?"
"I'm not going back."
"Why not?" Eckert's face had a look of almost clinical curiosity on it.
"Why should I? I like it here. I want to live here the rest of my life."
The pieces began to fall in place.