CHAPTER 4“Well, Mr. Brown?” the Commander asked at length.
“So you recognize me? That saves the trouble of introduction.”
“Certainly I recognize you, and this young woman with the gun. To save further time I would add that I am Commander Holden, and that you have no possible right aboard this vessel.”
“In difficult circumstances one must take a chance,” Earmar responded. “You must have seen that we were having difficulties with our own vessel as you passed over us. I am surprised you did not obey the space code and stop to help us.”
“I’m in a hurry,” Holden retorted. “And that doesn’t explain what you’re doing here, or why this woman needs to point her gun like that.”
Earmar smiled. “Just nervousness on her part, Commander. The weapon won’t go off—at least, I hope not. As for us being
