We reached the big open area near the landing stage.
"This is where we have to look very matter-of-fact," I told Joy. "I
have a small hunch. Just play it by ear."
There were only a few people near the transparent airlock. All but one
of them wore the Monolithian woolen cloaks. I didn't recognize the man
dressed in Earth clothing. He certainly wasn't one of the reporters.
Joy and I tried to stroll nonchalantly toward the airlock. I had only
the vaguest of plans for finding out as subtly as possible when the
next flight--if any--left for Earth.