He stood before us, towering over me. I saw a group of nearby workers
stop to regard us. In a moment we would be causing a commotion, and it
was the last thing I desired.
I said in Martian, "Commander Potan told me, what I wish I can do.
From the dome we look around to see where is the Grantline camp from
here. I am pilot of this ship to go there."
The man who had called himself Brotow passed near us. I appealed to
him.
"We put on our suits. After our experience, we feel safer that way. If
I'm to pilot the ship...."
He hesitated, his glance sweeping the deck as though to ask Potan.
Someone said in Martian:
"The Commander is down in the stern storeroom."
It decided Brotow. He waved away the Martian who had stopped me.
"Let them pass."
Anita and I gave him our most friendly smiles.
"Thanks."
He bowed to Anita with a sweeping gesture. "I will show you over the
control room presently."
His gaze went to the peak of the bow.
The little hooded cubby there was the control room, then. Satisfaction
swept me. Then above us in the tower, must surely be the signal room.
Would Brotow follow us up? I hoped not. I wanted to be alone with the
duty man up there, giving me a chance to get at the projector controls
if Miko's signal should come.
I drew Anita past Brotow, who had stood aside. "Thanks," I repeated.
"We won't be long."
We mounted the little ladder.