"You have a ground of some sort, haven't you?"
"Certainly. The steel shell of the sphere—" The inventor paused abruptly. "That dense outer coating of clay—Yes, yes. It might so act." He paused in exasperation. "Gentlemen! Please kindly go away! Is it not enough that I have great responsibilities, but you must come around with your childish theorizing?"
By this time, the others had been awakened by the commotion, and were crowding around the control room entrance.
"Wha—what's up?" demanded Link.
Marlin looked at DuChane; DuChane returned the look.
"Somebody has to break the news," said Marlin grimly. His eyes swept the gathering. "You may as well have it straight. We're no longer on earth; we're in space."
"Whadda you mean—space?" Link was bewildered.
"This is a space vessel isn't it—built to rise from the earth and fly off into the void? Well, contrary to expectations, it's doing just that. How far above earth we are, there's no way of telling—but I'm inclined to think it's one hell of a long way."