oncequotThemetallicraspofthespeakerechoedthroughthecorridorsofthegreatship.Thepassengersglancedateachotheruneasilymurmuringandpeeringouttheportwindowsatthesmallspeckbelowthedotofrock that was the Martian checkpoint Deimos.quotWhatsupquotananxiouspassengeraskedoneofthepilotshurryingthrough the ship to check the escape lock.quotWe have to land. Keep seated.quot The pilot went on.quotLandButwhyquotTheyalllookedateachother.HoveringabovethebulgingInner-FlightshipwerethreeslenderMartianpursuitcraftpoisedandalertforanyemergency.AstheInner-Flightshippreparedtolandthepursuitshipsdroppedlowercarefullymaintainingthemselvesa short distance away.quotTheressomethinggoingonquotawomanpassengersaidnervously.quotLordIthoughtwewerefinallythroughwiththoseMartians.NowwhatquotquotIdontblamethemforgivingusonelastgoingoverquotaheavy-setbusinessmansaidtohiscompanion.quotAfterallwerethelastshipleav-ing Mars for Terra. Were damn lucky they let us go at all.quotquotYouthinktherereallywillbewarquotAyoungmansaidtothegirlsit-tingintheseatnexttohim.quotThoseMartianswontdarefightnotwithourweaponsandabilitytoproduce