The loudspeaker came to life at that moment. "BurAst 33-P.G.1 taking off for Proxima Centauri I. Timing signal for synchronization first check ..." the voice died to be replaced by a series of clicks, one second apart.
"That's my notice—"
The guard snapped a switch. "Master Control," he said quietly. "This is Edwards, guard at the main gate, hold the flight."
"Hold the flight?" answered the speaker.
"Hold the flight. We've had trouble here."
"Is that what the shooting was all about?" The timing clicks died in the background. "What's the trouble?"
"We've got two Paul Graysons wanting to take off."
"Tell 'em to draw straws. This is costing money."
"One of them—"
"Goddammmit!" yelled Paul, "I'm Paul Grayson and I've—"