When he was satisfied that the
mixture of air was breathable and that he could maneuver in the suit,
he took off the helmet and walked over to where Joe and Mark were
sprawled under the spacecraft with a panel open over their heads. The
deep green of the highly reflective metal hull was marvelously soothing
to the eye. For a moment, Zip paused and wondered about the race that
had built the ships. Then he called out to the others.
"Joe, Mark-I'm going through the airlock to see what's out there."
Joe skidded out from under the hinged panel. "Are you sure that's wise,
Zip? We don't know where the pirates are."
"That's why I'm going out. I have a plan for our escape, but I have to
explore a little bit outside to see if it'll work."
"Want some company?"
"Thanks, I do, but I'll take George. You and Mark keep up the work."
Zip went over to where George St. George was sitting at a table with
several other miners.
"George, could you come with me? I'd like to see what's outside."
"Sure, Zip," said the blond man, standing up. The asteroid miner suited
up and the two men walked to the far end of the hangar. Zip was
carrying a small iron plate. In front of them was a huge panel that
could open to permit spacecraft to pass through the airlock, and on
either side of it were sets of doors to allow men through.
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