Lieutenant Stone explained the new development over the intercom phone to Spacemaster O’Leary. The skipper verified the fact that the Rigel was on full thrust. He said that there was no other alternative but to abandon ship and make for the moon Japetus in the two space boats and hope to be picked up later from there.
“We can’t abandon the ship!” Rob burst out uncontrollably.
“And why not, Allison?” came the skipper’s retort over the intercom.
“I beg your pardon, sir, but I was thinking of the Capella and her crew!” Rob said. “What will happen to them?”
“That can’t be helped I’m afraid,” the skipper replied. “My first duty is to my ship and men. Both of you prepare to abandon ship.”
When Spacemaster O’Leary had cut off, Lieutenant Stone said, “I’m sorry, Rob. I know how much you thought of Spaceman Hawley, but there’s nothing more to be done. Better get together what stuff you want to take along.”
However, as the officer began getting up his things, Rob remained at the screen, poring over it and a little mathematical machine called an electronic computer.
“Ready to go, Rob?” Lieutenant Stone asked sometime later.
“I think I’ve found something, sir!” Rob said, holding a place on the screen with his finger.
“A die-hard, if I ever saw one,” murmured his superior, with an admiring grin. He came over to see.