"My apologies, Captain. I am afraid I cannot take these. It appears we're both in the same boat, figuratively as well as literally speaking. And, after all, there is 'honor amongst thieves', you know. But—tell me? All I have heard is the World Council's side of the story. I'm sure the whole truth must be interesting. Tell me about it."
So they told him the entire tale. Of Lane's discovery, the attack in the Observatory, the World Council's refusal to grant a ship, and the subsequent theft of the Liberty. Of their recent adventure on Venus.
As Gary spoke, the laughter faded from the corsair's lips and eyes. A new seriousness gathered about the corners of his mouth and anger tightened his lean, lithe figure.
He interrupted, frowning. "Just a moment. These calculations of yours—you're sure they're right?"
"If mathematics is a pure science, yes."
"And the Venusian government—you say it refused to give you the fuel you need?"
"That's right," said Gary glumly, "and without it, I'm afraid—"
He shrugged. But Lark O'Day turned sharply to his lieutenant. In his voice was a note which the others had not heard before. It proved beyond need of demonstration why laughing Lark O'Day could command a hard-bitten crew as his.
"Call the men, Mark. Get them aboard the Black Star and place every hand at battle stations. Open the gun ports. Not short range—the troposphere rotors. Prepare for immediate action. If those damned fools—"
He spun to Warren angrily. "Captain, may I request the use of your radioman and signal turret for a short time?"