"Maybe not, but the workman is here, and tuning up the drive. We can't get below now."
"So what do we do?"
"I've half a hunch that they won't leave this ship standing idle long. Let's hide in the cargo hold until they stop tinkering."
Norma nodded thoughtfully. "Let's wait it out," she said. "Then if we have trouble, I can slope and run out of here like a startled rabbit and draw the chase away from you."
"You make the escape," he suggested, "I'll do the hare and the hounds."
Norma shook her head. "Let's use logic, and not emotion," she said calmly. "I'm known to be here, you're not. So if I cut and run and they catch me, that's it. But if you're caught running loose on this joint, they'll also start looking for me. If I carry my point, you'll still be unexpected. Follow? And someone may get back—the other way, no?"
"I suppose you are right."
"You know I am. It's just false chivalry. You get caught and we're all licked."
He took a deep breath. "You're right, of course."
"Now, here we are and can we be safe here?"