Light flooded the valve as the inner doors slid smoothly open. Braun made routine tests, then opened his cockleshell lifeboat hatch. Blinded by light, he climbed out. On rubbery legs, encased in the bulging suit of space armor, he walked to the gaping doorway and entered the alien ship.
If a trap, it was a good one.
Braun staggered backward. As his eyes became accustomed to the light, he stared. Disbelief in his senses and doubt of his sanity showed on his face.
Opening the vent in his space helmet, he took a deep breath. Then he stared curiously at—
Charters and Topping.
"You weren't gone long," observed Charters. The pair studied Braun, their expressions puzzled.
"I guess I didn't get very far," admitted Braun uneasily. "Am I crazy or is it everything else?"
"That's anyone's guess," said Topping. "What happened?"
"I'm not sure I know."
They waited for explanations while Braun took a stiff slug of coffee laced with brandy.