"What's the matter, won't it work?"
"Sure. There are too many ships. They can't pick us out among so many.
Anyway they're not looking for us around Earth. They don't really know
why we took the rocket and escaped."
"Then why so much concern? Once we're near Earth we won't need much
time."
His face was taut and tired. "I thought so too, in the beginning.
Things have changed. The entire Solar Police force has been alerted for
us."
"So the Solar Police really want us? But I still don't understand why
that changes a thing."
"Look, Anti. We planned to bypass the Medicouncil and take our case
directly to the Solar Government. But if they want us as badly as the
radio indicates they're not going to be sympathetic. Not at all.
"And if they're not, if the Solar Government doesn't support us all
the way, we'll never get another chance. Hereafter there'll be guards
everywhere on the asteroid. They'll watch us even when we sleep."
"Well?" said Anti. She seemed trimmer and more vigorous. "We considered
it _might_ turn out this way, didn't we? Let's take the last step
first."
Docchi raised his head. "Go to the ultimate authority? The Solar
Government won't like it."
"They won't, but there's nothing they can do about it."
"Don't be sure. They can shoot us down. When we stole the ship we
automatically became criminals."
"I know, but they'll be careful, especially after we make contact. How
would it look if we were blown to bits in front of their eyes, in a
billion homes?"
Docchi chuckled grimly. "Very shrewd. All right, they'll be careful.
But is it worth it to us?"
"It is to me."
"Then it is to me," said Docchi. "I suggest we start getting ready."