"The ship on A-orbit from direction Mars is a destroyer. Not near enough to read markings. Refuses to answer our signals or to cut velocity. Advise."
"Contact ship," was the smug advice.
"Doing our best!" Patrol V-11 snapped back.
Wagner had his head half turned from the landing indicators to hear the patrol communications. From the corner of his full-lipped mouth he shot:
"What in the devil's going on up there, Silvy?"
"Dunno," Ward answered. An inexplicable chill was running along his spine. A conclave here in the twin city of Pali-Vanyi to effect measures against Mars—A destroyer coming in, refusing to answer the Patrol queries—
The inner door opened behind him. Ward spun around. Anger darkened his face as he glared at the tall, dark skinned man who had unsteadily come to rest against the door jamb.
The dark one looked owlishly at Wagner and Ward, twisted a loose mouth open and mumbled:
"Portiz reporting for duty."
"In that condition?" Silvy Ward snapped.