The Times man glanced at the Herald, wondering if he had noticed, and received a quick glance in exchange.
The Herald asked Nathen, "You think they are dangerous, then?"
It was the kind of question, assuming much, which usually broke reticence and brought forth quick facts—when it hit the mark. They all knew of the military precautions, although they were not supposed to know.
The question missed. Nathen glanced out the window vaguely. "No, I wouldn't say so."
"You think they are friendly, then?" said the Herald, equally positive on the opposite tack.
A fleeting smile touched Nathen's lips. "Those I know are."
There was no lead in this direction, and they had to get the basic facts of the story before the ship came. The Times asked, "What led up to your contacting them?"
Nathen answered after a hesitation. "Static. Radio static. The Army told you my job, didn't they?"
The Army had told them nothing at all. The officer who had conducted them in for the interview stood glowering watchfully, as if he objected by instinct to telling anything to the public.