There's something deeper. I don't think this is an evil place. It is a
place that needs to be cleansed."
The party passed through the great doors. Before they had crossed the
courtyard a man emerged from the far side, carrying a light. The
members of the landing party quickly spread out, and the Captain
ordered, "Halt!"
"Don't shoot!" came the voice from behind the tiny light across the
room. "I'm unarmed. I've been waiting for you."
"Who are you?"
"My name is Gene Newman. I was the control officer for Lurton Zimbardo.
He's gone."
"Come forward slowly, hands up." Gene walked forward cautiously with
his hands extended over his head, holding his light in one hand. When
he was a few yards away, Captain Marks-Owens ordered him to stop and
directed two men to search him. When it was definite that he was
unarmed, she called him to approach her.
"What's been going on here?" she asked.
Gene explained that Zimbardo had aimed the asteroid at Earth, burned
out the power system, and fled two hours earlier. The Captain's face
paled as he told the story.
"Radio the ships that are still en route and have them check the course
of this rock," she ordered one of the men, who put on his helmet and
contacted the ship. "And tell Mr. Madera to come here at once." The
order was given.
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