It was there that he had met and liked the ungainly Splinter Wood. There was something in the boy that had found a kindred spirit in Kerry Blane's heart, and he had taken the youngster in hand to give him the benefits of experience that had become legendary.
Splinter Wood was a probationary pilot, had been admitted to the Interplanetary Squadron because of his inherent skill, even though his formal education had been fairly well neglected.
Now, the two of them rode the pounding jets of a DX cruiser, bound for Venus to make a personal survey of its floating islands for the Interplanetary Squadron's Medical Division.
"Ten to one we don't get back!" Splinter said pessimistically.
Kerry Blane scrubbed out his cigarette, scowled bleakly at the instrument panel. He sensed the faint thread of fear in the youngster's tone, and a nostalgic twinge touched his heart, for he was remembering the days of his youth when he had a full life to look forward to.
"If you're afraid, you can get out and walk back," he snapped disagreeably.
A grin lifted the corners of Splinter's long mouth, spread into his eyes. His hand unconsciously came up, touched the tiny squadron pin on his lapel.
"Sorry to disappoint you, glory grabber," he said mockingly, "but I've got definite orders to take care of you."
"Me! You've got orders to take care of me?" Kerry Blane choked incoherently for a moment, red tiding cholerically upward from his loosened collar.