Supplies were loaded, and the great engine-generators checked and rechecked. The ship was ready to go less than two hours before take-off time.
The last passenger aboard was Snookums, although, in a more proper sense, he had always been aboard. The little robot rolled up to the elevator on his treads and was lifted into the body of the ship. Miss Crannon was waiting for him at the air lock, and Mike the Angel was standing by. Not that he had any particular interest in watching Snookums come aboard, but he did have a definite interest in Leda Crannon.
“Hello, honey,” said Miss Crannon as Snookums rolled into the air lock. “Ready for your ride?”
“Yes, Leda,” said Snookums in his contralto voice. He rolled up to her and took her hand. “Where is my room?”
“Come along; I’ll show you in a minute. Do you remember Commander Gabriel?”
Snookums swiveled his head and regarded Mike.
“Oh yes. He tried to help me.”
“Did you need help?” Mike growled in spite of himself.
“Yes. For my experiment. And you offered help. That was very nice. Leda says it is nice to help people.”
Mike the Angel carefully refrained from asking Snookums if he thought he was people. For all Mike knew, he did.