He peered at the ship. It had little in common with the unstreamlined dumbbells Earth used for spaceflight; it was slim and tapering, with no visible rocket orifices; it was made of some strange iridescent metal that glimmered in the moonlight.
"Let's investigate," Gregson said.
"We should call the others," said Lal. "All five should be on hand."
"You're right." Gregson touched his belt-stud, giving the signal that called all five crewmen to hand. They appeared quickly—Lasseux, Beveridge, Golovunoff. Silently, Gregson pointed through the view-plate at the newcomer.
After a long look Beveridge shook his head. "That didn't come from Earth," the Englishman said. "Not unless they've developed an entirely new drive principle. And look at the design...."
"That's an alien spaceship, all right," Lasseux said.
"From the stars," added Golovunoff. A cold chill seemed to sweep through the space satellite as he spoke the words.
Quietly Gregson said, "We'd better go out there and see what's inside. Since Lal and I saw the ship first, we'll be the ones to go look."
"No," said Golovunoff. "I wish to go also."
"I'd rather like to get first look too," said Beveridge.