Gwann seemed on the point of making a sharp retort, and instead turned away toward the exit lock. "Since things seem suspicious, I'd best go first."
"Sir," said Volval, laying a hand upon his leader's arm.
"Yes?" queried Gwann, pausing.
"Good luck, sir," Volval faltered, drawing his hand back.
"Thanks," said Gwann, not unkindly. "For Venus," he added.
"For Venus," the others echoed.
Gwann released the safety lock on the circular metal door and turned the valve handle. Slowly, the door recessed itself in the metal pocket in the ship's wall, and Gwann went out into the yellow glow of the sunlight glittering in Times Square.
The sun was glowing crimson on the horizon when the five Venusians met once more at the door of their ship.
"Nothing—no clue, no people," said Jorik, his face wrinkled with puzzlement. "I can't understand it."