"I don't think we will have to worry any more about the Martian ships from now on, if we're careful," Borion said. "I'm going to run for the shadow of the moon and from there I'll plot a course straight for Jupiter, avoiding Mars entirely."
The door to the control room opened, and a smiling, spectacled face peered in. It was Thamon, the scientist.
"That was quite a bump," Thamon observed. "Were we trying to knock down an asteroid?"
Dynamon gave a short laugh. "No, that was merely some of our friends from Mars trying to head us off. But they're far behind now and we don't anticipate any trouble for a good many days."
"Ah, round one to the Earth people," Thamon observed. "In that case, Dynamon, have you decided how you are going to conduct affairs within the Carrier in the immediate future?"
"Not quite," Dynamon replied. "Suppose we discuss that, in my quarters?"
Thamon nodded. "I'm at your disposal, Centurion."
Dynamon led the way down the little stair and into the compartment that served as his office. Once there, he threw off his long military cloak and sat down at a little table, his great bronzed shoulders gleaming in the soft artificial light.
"I suppose the first question," said Thamon, sitting down opposite the centurion, "is whether to institute suspended animation on board?"