A footstep sounded, and Ferris tried to open his eyes. Then he turned to go back, but a voice stopped him. It was Siegal's.
There was no use resisting. Siegal still had the drop on him. The convict led him into the control cabin, forced him into a seat.
"You're a good man, Ferris," Siegal said, "but not good enough. I might be able to use you, though--more or less as a shield when I get to the Moon."
Somewhat revived, Ferris looked up. His head still hurt him, but he was able to recollect his surroundings. He thought of Fuel Station 12--it would be nearing Earth now. Soon it would strike, and then Galsworth would be notified. Things would begin to happen.
Siegal swung, shouting angrily. But the youth was on him, knocking the beam gun away, pinning him against the wall of the cabin. Ferris watched dazedly, wondering where Brooks had come from. Nauseating sensations swept him again, and things went black for a moment. He heard Siegal's yells. A blow was struck, and Brooks tumbled back.
Ferris pushed himself from the stool and fell over the beam gun. As Siegal bore Brooks to the floor, Ferris rolled over, brought up his arm and pulled the trigger. His aim was bad, but the beam did its work. Siegal simply went limp.
For a long minute Ferris lay there, looking up at the youthful form of Brooks over him. He grinned.
"Good work, Brooks. You make a better stowaway than I do."
"This is the first time," said Galsworth, "I've ever seen bandages on you, Ferris."
"I came to talk business, Galsworth. At least, you called me here for that reason, didn't you?"
The company head placed a pudgy fist against his palm. "Of course. I thought you'd like to know why you were called in from 12."
"Because you wanted to send Brooks there. Well, that's okay. He's a good man--"
"No, not just that. We've a passenger pilot's license for you, if you want it. Something we've been planning for some time. You're the only one of our station operators who has passed the exams."
Ferris grew red in the face. "Then, all this was just a--promotion?"
Galsworth nodded. "When the new Station 12 is situated, Brooks will take over. We've better things for you. Willing?"
To Ferris, it was overwhelming--more so than it had been aboard Siegal's cruiser. He felt suddenly as if he would faint--the wound--