"No, I guess not. Must be worse than death not to have a mind."
"What's worse is what happens. You haven't a mind—and yet you have enough mind to realize that fact. Strange psychological tangle, but there it is. Tough as it is, we've got to go through with it."
"They're after some information on the Orionad?"
"Probably. That's why we're taking out after them. It's the only reason why Guy Maynard was covered under the TSI order."
"Too bad," said the pilot.
"It is," agreed Williamson. "But—prepare for action. Check all ordnance."
It was almost an hour later that the communicator buzzed again. "Observer to executive: Martian of Mardinex class spotted."
"Certain identification?"
"Only from the cardex file. Can't see her yet, but the spotters have picked up a ship having the characteristics of the Mardinex class. It's the Mardinex herself, Ben, because she's the only one left in that class. Old tub, not much good for anything except a fool's errand like this."
"Turretman to executive: Have we got a chance, tackling a first-line ship like the Mardinex in a destroyer?"