"We're after two more Connies near the wreck of the
landing boat, sir."
"Be careful. Pederson, go help Koa. Nunez, how are things at the cave?"
"Nunez reporting, sir. Two Connies in sight, but they haven't seen us
yet."
"Let me know when they spot the cave."
"Yes, sir."
"Santos, go ahead."
For long moments there was silence. Rip felt for a solid foothold, found
one, and flexed his knees. He kept his back straight and his eyes on the
crater rim. His hands were occupied with two air bottles taken from his
belt, and his thumbs were on their valve releases. He waited patiently
for word from Santos that his helmet glow had been seen.
Santos yelled, "Now!"
Rip's legs straightened with a mighty thrust. He flashed into space
headfirst, at an angle that took him over the crater's rim and fifty feet
above the ground. He caught a glimpse of Santos' helmet, glowing like a
pink balloon, and of the three Connies facing it.
Rip's arms flashed above his head. His thumbs compressed. Air spurted
from the two bottles, driving him downward feetfirst, directly at the
heads of the Connies!
CHAPTER TEN
Get the Scorpion!
From the corner of his eye, Rip saw Dowst's heavy space boots and knew
the private was right with him.
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