"What's up?" Zip's gray eyes peered over the rim of the coffee mug as
he took a swallow.
"There's no danger of further attack on Mars-everything seems to be
secure in Eagle City-but we're to be given an assignment with a
'significant time factor,' as the Commander put it. Too sensitive to
put out over the radio even with scramblers and tight beam."
"They must've learned something from the pirates they captured."
Joe peeked around the corner. "No-I think they're going to give us a
medal and a month off for liberating Eagle City!"
Two days later, the Star Ranger was cruising at a good clip a few miles
above the Martian desert. Eagle City was behind them, and the course
was set almost due north. Mark was reminiscing about the parting with
Steve.
"Don't worry about a thing, boys-I'll make sure the little folk get
back to the Moon safely enough." Steve was referring to Jack and Jill,
the diminutive citizens of Titan who had played a critical role in
rescuing Eagle City from the pirates during their assault on Mars.
Mark felt very badly that he hadn't been able to see the Titanians.
Four days before, they had left Mars without notice to begin the
frantic chase of the escaping pirates, and now they were urgently
called to Mars Base with no time permitted to see their friends.
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