Imagination breeds irritation. Would they call it pilot error or equipment unreliability? Dying he could face. Goofing would be a disgrace that he would have to meet in fact or in symbol. Hardware crackup was a matter of the laws of probability. Not only his duty demanded that he report, his essence cried out for a voice to let them know.
Anybody.
Just the chance to tell one other human soul.
Chelan asked, “Who are you? Your name and rank?”
He said sullenly, “Go to hell.”
“We have ways and means.”
He said, “Use ‘em.”
“If we said that we mean no harm; if we asked what we could do to prove it, what would be your reply?”
“Take me back and let me go.”
“Who are you? Will you identify yourself?”
“No.”
“Stubborn Terran!”
“I know my rights. We are not at war. I’ll tell you nothing. Why
