CHAPTER 4

Tom glanced at the astral chronometer over the control board of the _Polaris_ and sighed with relief. It was nine P.M. He turned to the intercom. "Attention, please! Attention, please! The exhibit is now closing for the night. All visitors will kindly leave the ship immediately." He repeated the announcement again and turned to smile at the last lingering youngster ogling him before being yanked toward an exit by a tired and impatient mother. The hatch to the radar bridge opened and Roger climbed down the ladder to…