I used the open Universal Code. In Martian first, and then in English.
There was no answer, but no attack. I tried again.
"This is Haljan, once of the Planetara. George Prince's sister is with me. There has been disaster to Miko."
A small light-beam came down from the brink of the overhead cliff beside the ship.
"We read you."
I went steadily on: "Disaster—the Planetara is wrecked. All killed but me and George Prince's sister. We want to join you."
I flashed off my light. The answer came: "Where is the Grantline camp?"
"Near here. The Mare Imbrium."
As though to answer my lie, from down on the Earthlit plains, ten miles or so from the crater-base, a tiny signal-light shot up. Anita saw it and gripped me.
"There is Miko's light!"