"This is it," Chip said softly. "You want me to keep an eye on who comes down the passage?"
Retief nodded, opened the door and stepped into the cabin. The captain looked up from his desk, then jumped up.
"What do you think you're doing, busting in here?"
"I hear you're planning a course change, Captain."
"You've got damn big ears."
"I think we'd better call in at Jorgensen's."
"You do, huh?" the captain sat down. "I'm in command of this vessel," he said. "I'm changing course for Alabaster."
"I wouldn't find it convenient to go to Alabaster," Retief said. "So just hold your course for Jorgensen's."
"Not bloody likely."
"Your use of the word 'bloody' is interesting, Captain. Don't try to change course."