The fourth explosion threw Barrent to the ground. He got to his feet instantly and sprinted up the landing stage. He was inside the ship. Outside, he could hear the guard captain shouting orders. The guards were beginning to form into ranks, their weapons ready to use against the restive crowd. They were retreating to the ship in good order.
Barrent had no more time to listen. He was standing in a long, narrow corridor. He turned to the right and raced toward the bow of the ship. Far behind him, he could hear the heavy marching tread of the guards.
Now, he thought, the information he had been given about the ship had better be right, or the expedition was finished before it began.
He sprinted past rows of empty cells, and came to a door marked GUARD ASSEMBLY ROOM. A lighted green bulb above the door showed that the air system was on. He went by it, and came to another door. Barrent tried it now, and found it unlocked. Within was a room stacked high with spare engine parts. He entered and closed the door.
The guards marched down the corridor. Barrent could hear them talking as they entered the assembly room.
"What do you think started those explosions?"
"Who knows? Those prisoners are crazy, anyhow."
"They'd blow up the whole planet, if they could."
"Good riddance."
"Well, it didn't cause any damage. There was an explosion like that about fifteen years ago. Remember?"