"In the name of the free territory of space, I seize this ship and all that is on it," he continued coldly, "I sever all ties any may have with Earth herewith. I ban all military operations from space. I declare that no nation may own property in space, but may only trade according to the just laws and practices that shall be henceforth established for space. I—"
He was wound up to the point where he could not stop, though there was nothing more to say at the moment.
But a sudden sound choked off his words. It was a shout from those who had come to meet the crew from the Goddard. It was a long, surprised crescendo that slowly became a cheer.
Sonya leaned forward, grasping his hands. "Thank God," she cried in his ear. "Oh thank God. I was so afraid you wouldn't see it."
He blinked, beginning to feel foolish. "You mean that you agree? Without resistance?"
"We've been trying to find some way to make it happen for two years—ever since our commander refused to permit our decaying missiles to be used against your station," she told him. "But we never really believed it could happen."
Blane knew that he had never believed it, either.
He pulled her closer, beginning to smile again. "In the name of the free territory of space!" he said, and kissed her.