"We'll swing a thousand miles off Earth and I'll land in the escape boat. You can go on to Mars, sell the Vulcan to pay off the crew and yourself." Lodar smiled grimly. "Now get out of my way!"
As the captain strode down the corridor, Campora turned bitterly to the young navigator.
"He's lying, he's going to land on Earth. The filthy double-crosser wants to pay us off with a stolen ship, too!" Campora grabbed Ray's arms. "That escape boat is loaded with his takings. Thinks we're a bunch of suckers to let him be the big shot on dear old Earth! We'll see about that!"
"You're a fine officer!" Ray stared at the mate.
V
It was a mystery to him how Campora had ever won his position. Once upon a time he must have had a lot of ambition, because it took a lot of drive for a self-educated man like Campora to become an officer. Perhaps the struggle had soured him.
Ray knew how tough it was. He'd had to fight his way, but—He stopped in mid-thought. Actually, he was no better. They were all in the same boat!
When Ray went aft a little later he found the repair crew working furiously. Lodar paced back and forth between the two main converters, his fists clenched and eyes alert. One of the crew lay sprawled in a corner. A glance was enough. The man was dead.
Ray shrugged mentally. Lodar was within his rights, as captain, to enforce his orders even to this extent.