Rip found the constellation Orion and looked at bright Rigel. For a moment he saw nothing; then, south of the star, he saw a thin, orange line.
Nuclear drive cruisers didn't have exhausts of that color, and there was only one rocket-drive ship around, so far as they knew.
Rip said softly, "Let's get our house in order, gang. Looks like we're going to get a visit from our friends the Connies!"
Chapter Eight - Duck - Or Die!
Sergeant-major Koa's great frame loomed in front of Rip. "Think they've spotted us, sir?"
Rip hated to say it. "Probably. Koa, can you estimate from the exhaust how far away they are?"
"Not very well, Lieutenant. From the position of the streak, I'd say they're decelerating."
The Planeteers looked at Rip. He was in command, and they expected him to do something about the situation. Rip didn't know what to do. The rocket launcher, their only weapon, wasn't designed for fighting spaceships. It was useful against snapper-boats and people, but firing at a cruiser would be like sending mosquitoes to fight elephants.