"However, the requirements of an officer of space do not include a knowledge of code because of the lack of communication with the planets while in space. Therefore, I request that any person with a working knowledge of International Morse will please present himself to the nearest officer."
Minutes passed. Minutes during which the flashing lights continued.
Then the door of the bridge opened and Third Officer Jones entered with a thirteen-year-old boy at his heels. The youngster's eyes went wide at the sight of the instruments on the bridge, and he looked around in amazed interest.
"This is Freddy Thomas," said Jones. "He knows code!"
"Go to it, Mr. Thomas," said Hendall.
The boy swelled visibly. You could almost hear him thinking: "He called me 'mister'!"
Then he went to the table by the speaker and reached for pencil and paper. "It's code all right," he said. Then Freddy winked at Jones. "He has a lousy fist!"
Freddy Thomas began to write.
"—course and head for Terra direct"—the beam faded for seconds—"Venusian fever and you will be quarantined.
"Calling CQ, calling CQ, calling CQ. Calling Empress of Kolain ... empowered us to contact you and convey ... message—You are requested to correct your course and head ... a plague of Venusian fever and you—Williams of Interplanet has empowered us ... the following message: 'You are requested to correct your ... head for Terra direct.' Calling CQ...."