At the decade's end, once again the representatives of the Genoese team
were first in the _Pedagogue's_ lounge. Mayer sat at the officer's
table, Martin Gunther at his right. Jerry Kennedy leaned against the
ship's bar, sipping appreciatively at a highball.
They could hear the impact of the space boat from Texcoco when it slid
into its bed.
"Poor piloting," Gunther mused. "Whoever's doing that flying doesn't get
enough practice."
They could hear ports opening and then the sound of approaching feet.
The footsteps had a strangely military ring.
[Illustration]
Joe Chessman entered, followed immediately by Barry Watson, Dick Hawkins
and Natt Roberts. They were all dressed in heavy uniform, complete with
decorations. Behind them were four Texcocans, including Reif and his
teen-age son Taller.