The Connie was caught squarely.
A suave voice spoke on the universal band. "This is Federation SCN
_Sagittarius_, calling the Consolidation cruiser near the asteroid.
Please reply."
Rip waited anxiously. The Connie would hear, because every control room
monitored the universal band.
A heavy, reluctant voice replied after a pause of over a minute.
"This is Consolidation cruiser Sixteen. You are breaking the law,
_Sagittarius_. Your missile ports are open, and they are pointing at me.
Close them at once, or I will report this."
The suave voice, with its hint of French accent, replied, "Ah, my friend!
Do not be alarmed. We have had a slight accident to our control circuit,
and the ports are jammed open. We are trying to repair the situation. But
I assure you that we have only the friendliest of intentions."
Rip grinned. This was about the same as a man holding a cocked pistol at
another man's head and assuring him that it was nothing but a nervous arm
that kept the gun so steady.
The Connie demanded, "What do you want?"
The two friendly cruisers were within a few miles of the Connie now, and
their blasts were just strong enough to keep them edging closer, while
still counteracting the sun's pull.
Pages:
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223