The radio receiver came to life. "Hello, survivors. We hear your message and are adjusting course to pick you up. Stand by."
Jake turned to his cohorts, a triumphant glint in his pale grey eyes. "I knew they would. What were you guys worried about?"
"They don't like to," said Matt. "Costs them time."
"Space law says they have to," said Henry.
"Space law!" echoed Matt. "There isn't a space patrol within two hundred million miles."
"Gosh, it's a big ship," said Henry. "Wonder what's in its cargo?"
"Yeah, Jake. How about telling us now?"
Jake smiled with self-contentment. "I said it would be worth your while. Be patient a few minutes longer."
The cargo hold of the freighter opened. A rocket-propelled net shot out into space. Their tiny unit was caught up like a fish and dragged into the freighter's maw.