' Whatever odd shapes you can find in the Belt, that's got to
be unique." The Starman brought the Vigilant Warrior slowly into the
proximity of Montezuma Vly's refuge. "See if you can raise him, Mark."
Mark Seaton flipped on the communicator.
"Starman Mark Seaton on the starship Vigilant Warrior calling Montezuma
Vly on the Castle, requesting permission to land." His voice was
smooth, intimate, and confident. There was no response. A minute later,
Mark repeated the message. The metallic voice of an automatic response
system came on.
"This asteroid is private property and visitors are not welcome."
"We understand that, sir," Mark replied, "and we would not request
permission to land if it were not a matter of urgent business of
personal concern." A human voice came on.
"Yeah, like I haven't heard that one before! I don't want visitors! If
I wanted a social calendar, I'd go live in a big population center like
Ganymede. Keep going! Next services are 3,000 miles away."
"Mr. Vly, this is Starman David Foster, Commander of the Starlight
Enterprise ship Vigilant Warrior," Zip broke in. "We understand and
respect your reluctance to receive visitors and will stay no longer
than necessary. We are calling on you because your friend George St.
George has information we need which is vital to the safety of all the
settlements on Mars and even the Earth-Moon system.
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