"There's Jupiter," she exclaimed pointing to a large bright star dead ahead. Norman gazed at it, fascinated.
The lookout, a lean spaceman, stirred restlessly, then stiffened. Norman followed his gaze, saw three brief pin pricks of light stab out of the void.
"Look!" He clutched Jennifer's shoulder, but she had seen the flashes already.
The lookout grabbed the phone, said, "Observation deck reporting, sir. Three flashes two points on the port bow. Yes sir. Two points on the port bow." He hung up the phone.
Norman and Jennifer exchanged glances.
Jennifer said, "The Comet reported three flashes before she disappeared. It must be a signal?"
Overhead the general alarm rang furiously. A file of Armed Guards poured onto the observation deck, took up their posts. Norman pointed to the battle ship. Its guns were run out like bared fangs.
"Attention!" blared a voice over the public address system. "All passengers return immediately to their staterooms. Attention! All passengers return immediately to their staterooms."
"Come on," urged Norman. "We'd better go below."
"Do you mind if I stay with you?" asked Jennifer.