Personal relationships were important to Mark. As the Star Ranger
returned to Mars from the Asteroid Belt, he had made a recorded
greeting and farewell for Jack and Jill and entrusted it to Steve. Mark
was beginning to realize that for him, the life of a Starman would be
marked with frequent partings and sorrows.
The always-ebullient Joe did not seem to be affected. "Don't worry
about it, we'll see them again. They'll understand. Right now we're off
on another adventure!"
As the Star Ranger approached the pole, Mark shifted his mood and hoped
that Joe would be right.
"Oooh, yes! Look at that!" exulted Joe, pointing out of the front of
the ship. A light came over the horizon like a flame too bright to be
looked at comfortably. The sun was reflecting off the glass-sheathed
buildings of Mars Base, Starlight Enterprise's primary headquarters on
the fourth planet.
As the Star Ranger rapidly closed the distance, Mark radioed for
landing clearance.
"Gorgeous!" said Joe. From the pilot's seat he could make out the
airport, the hangar, the sprawling laboratory and research buildings
and the manufacturing centers. Men, robots, and machines scurried
around the plant. Security was very high; ever since the pirate attack
SE had redoubled its efforts to keep out unauthorized personnel.
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