"We will have discipline, I promise you," Nielson said. "Hargraves, you are removed from command, understand?"
"Yes," said Hargraves steadily.
Only one ballot was needed to put Nielson in charge.
"All right," said Ushur to the new captain. "You're the boss now. We're all behind you. What are you going to do?"
"Do? I—" Nielson looked startled. He glanced at Hargraves.
The former captain sighed. It was easy enough to elect a new leader. Vehemently he wished that all problems could be solved so easily.
"I suggest," he said, "—and this is only a suggestion—that we attempt to find the ship, and if possible, to regain possession of her. She is the only tool we have to work with."
"That is exactly what I was going to say," Nielson said emphatically. "Find the ship."
To give him credit, he set about the job in a workmanlike manner, sending two scouts ahead of the main group, throwing out a scout on each flank. The only way they could hope to find the ship was by following the course it had taken through the air. Since Sarkoff, in taking over the vessel, had not disarmed them, each possessed a vibration pistol. In a fight against ordinary enemies they would be able to give a good account of themselves. But would any enemy they met likely be ordinary?
Hargraves drew Usher aside. "I would like to talk to you," he said. "What actually happened when the ship was taken?"