The whispering ceased as the guards in their peacock blue and yellow filed into the dormitory. They were carrying a long plastic chain, which they stretched down the center of the floor. About every yard, Joel saw that a metal collar had been linked to the chain.
Doctor Chedwick came through the door with the green-uniformed spaceman beside him.
"This is Sam Mullin," he said indicating the spaceman. "Third mate of the Zenith. Mister Mullin will be responsible for you while you're aboard the Zenith. You're to be embarked at once...."
Joel's heart leaped against his ribs. Even the archaic title of "mister" had a heady sound. It was a tradition among spacemen, he knew. Only officers of Star Ships were called "mister."
"What's this?" Doctor Chedwick interrupted himself catching sight of the unconscious figure of Eriss on the floor.
"There was a fight, Doctor," the captain hastened to explain. "The new man and Walt Eriss."
"Hakkyt knocked out Eriss?"
The captain nodded.
Doctor Chedwick shot Joel a startled glance. "Watch those fists of yours, young man. You're too free with them." Then to the captain, "Revive Eriss and shackle the prisoners."
Joel noticed that the guards were careful to fasten one of the collars about the ex-surgeon's neck before they broke a vial of some liquid and held it under his nose.