Steps led downward to a brief corridor. Beyond the corridor, a portion of the control room was visible.
Ferris moved out, went down the steps and proceeded cautiously along the corridor.
He put a hand to his forehead; a sudden dizziness swept through him. He leaned against the wall, rubbing his eyes. There was blood on his sleeve.
He couldn't remember how long he waited there; it may have been a number of minutes. He could feel his sickness overcoming him. He was weakening.
A footstep sounded, and Ferris tried to open his eyes. Then he turned to go back, but a voice stopped him. It was Siegal's.
There was no use resisting. Siegal still had the drop on him. The convict led him into the control cabin, forced him into a seat.
"You're a good man, Ferris," Siegal said, "but not good enough. I might be able to use you, though—more or less as a shield when I get to the Moon."
Somewhat revived, Ferris looked up. His head still hurt him, but he was able to recollect his surroundings. He thought of Fuel Station 12—it would be nearing Earth now. Soon it would strike, and then Galsworth would be notified. Things would begin to happen.
"Brooks reporting."
Siegal swung, shouting angrily. But the youth was on him, knocking the beam gun away, pinning him against the wall of the cabin. Ferris watched dazedly, wondering where Brooks had come from. Nauseating sensations swept him again, and things went black for a moment. He heard Siegal's yells. A blow was struck, and Brooks tumbled back.