The Runaway Asteroid | Page 7

as Steve disappeared onto the flight deck, leaving the two Starmen to themselves.
"Steve told you we're on our way back to Mars, I'm sure," said Mark by way of preamble. Zip nodded. "Commander De Koven also said that we are to report directly to Mars Base. We drop Steve off at Eagle City and go right on to the Base without getting out of the ship." Mars Base was Starlight Enterprise's headquarters on Mars. It was a huge plant, covering several thousand acres of Martian desert near the north pole and far from any other settlement.
"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. 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. This was the area from which Starlight Enterprise conducted its Martian operations.
Immediately after landing, the Starmen were brought into a spacious office. As they entered, a clean-shaven man with a rather long crew cut looked up.
"Mr. Konig!" exclaimed Zip as he led the little parade into the central portion of the complex. "I sure didn't expect to see you here!" Konig was in charge of security throughout the entire SE system.
"Welcome to the Base, Starmen!" Konig stood up and came around his desk to greet each of them with a warm, two-handed handshake. He was a genial man, large but by no means overweight, very strong, firm, and of almost regal bearing. He gave the impression of being always available and affable, but never to be taken for granted.
"Sit down," he continued. "What I have to say is of vital importance and I'm afraid we don't have time to do more than get you briefed on the situation. I can't even take the time to commend you for the outstanding work you did against the pirates. Richard is busting with pride over his newest Starmen! I can't say I blame him-you did marvelous work! You three are wanted on Earth for some special recognition, but unfortunately we have a brief mission for you first."
"Richard" was Richard Starlight, the head of Starlight Enterprise who had entrusted Mark and Joe with their Martian assignment.
"Thank you, Mr. Konig," responded Zip simply.
"The pirates only had a few men placed here at the Base, but they were enough to shut down operations for the few days they needed to paralyze Eagle City. Frankly, it was a surprise