"A spaceship!" exclaimed Craig.
"A very modest one, yet not so modest when you consider that it was necessary to carry in every single piece and part by hand."
"Good Lord!"
"You, Mr. Craig, might captain that ship. Very few Terrans have ever even flown in one. It will be necessary to establish contact with possible assistance outside of Terra. You can make that possible."
Craig was thoughtful. "I suppose, now that I've seen all this, you can't let me leave here unless I join you."
"No," denied Cocteau. "You may leave here any time you like."
"I'd be sure to get caught, of course...."
"Within limits, it might be possible to help you avoid capture." Cocteau reached into his beggar's coat and withdrew a wallet. "Identity card, food ration, clothing, work card, even a Government party card. It's all here, Mr. Craig. You could have a slightly altered physical appearance. Liberty accepts no unwilling members. You are given as nearly a free choice in this matter as is possible to give you."
"Suppose I talked?" asked Craig, nodding bluntly toward the port.