"We'd better take it by relays, though. A fleet that's planeted for charging isn't in the most admirable position for attack."
"Reasonable. You charge, Thompson'll guard, and I'll scout around."
"You'll do nothing of the sort," growled Downing. "You and Thompson will both guard."
"Afraid?"
"No, you idiot. I'm jealous as hell. I don't want you to take all the glory."
"And that's probably the truth," laughed Lane.
"Take it or leave it."
Thompson interrupted. "This sounds like the leading edge of a fight. Stop it. We'll play it safe—Downing's way."
"O.K.," assented Lane cheerfully enough.
"Thing that bothers me," muttered Downing, "is the fact that if this bunch have any stuff, we're being recorded on the tapes right now."