"No charge," the captain repeated.
"Uh—uh!" Nuoy opened his mouth, closed it, made up his mind, opened his mouth again. "We'll have to change that," he said.
It was Captain Martin's turn to be surprised. "I don't understand you."
Nuoy was on his feet, making plans. "You and your ship will return to Star Goal immediately. I will accompany you." The slurping sounds in his throat were plainly audible.
"Eh?" the captain said.
Nuoy nodded firmly. "We will leave within two hours, as quickly as you can stock the ship and as soon as my servants can transfer my things to the vessel."
Captain Martin glanced out of the corner of his eyes at General Stanley. The general looked in the other direction. "What about Earth Government?"
"The government will authorize your return to Star Goal," Nuoy said, his voice sharp. "They're in my vest pocket."
Again Martin glanced at Stanley. This time the general did not look away. Pain showed on his face but he made no attempt to deny Nuoy's statement.
"But why are we going back to Star Goal in such a rush?" Martin spoke.