That would get her in trouble. “Give us a couple minutes. Then try to relay it. Meantime, we’ll have a communications breakdown.” He turned to Hutch. “How long before we can make the jump?”

Across the bay the launch doors were opening. “Derek, we’ll need thirty minutes after we get out of here.”

“That’s not good. What happens if we just make the jump as soon as we get clear of the station?”

“We’d probably melt the drive unit.”

“Okay. Just get us moving. But keep the radio off. We’re having a breakdown until we get clear.”

“Derek, I can’t do that.”

“If you answer, it puts the thing on record. We’d have to go back.”

“If we block communications, there’s a possibility of a collision with an incoming vehicle.”

“What are the chances of that?”

She began wondering again if she was on the wrong side of this. “Unfortunately, there is a possibility. I’m sorry, Derek. But we can’t do it.”

“I’ll take the responsibility if anything happens.”

“If anything happens, we’ll all be dead. They probably don’t have the word yet, anyhow.”

“Eiferman, this is comm-ops. You are clear to—wait one.”

“They’re getting the shutdown now, Derek. But there’s nothing incoming.”

“Then go. Disconnect and go.” He produced a frustrated grunt, the kind that suggests the world is full of idiots. He switched back to Janet. “You might as well pick it up, kid. We can’t shut the comm system down.”

“Okay, Derek. The mission is cancelled.”

Hutch broke in: “But there’s no traffic, Janet?”

“Negative, Captain.”

•  •  •

Hutch directed everyone to belt down. She disconnected from the magnetic clamps that locked them to the pier, and released the Eiferman to the station, which assumed control, eased the ship away from the dock, angled them toward the launch doors, and took them forward.

“Why are they doing this?” said Derek.

“They’re probably a little nervous about changing course inside the bay. Or maybe they’re just not good at communicating with one another. There’s nothing coming in, so if I have to, I can assume control and take us outside.”

Nothing changed and they cleared the station. Somebody, probably Wally, shouted “Yay!” as they began to accelerate.

“Incoming message,” said Hutch.

Derek was on the bridge with her, seated in the copilot’s chair. “Don’t touch it,” he growled.

“It’s okay. It’s from Clay.”

“Oh, Lord. Okay, put him on.”

Hutch pressed the button.

“Hey, guys. What the hell’s going on? You left without me?”

Derek took it. “Sorry, Clay. We ran out of time.”

“You said nine. It’s only a little after eight.”

“I can’t explain now, Clay. I apologize, but we had no choice. You’ll be reimbursed. And I’ll see that you get some compensation.”

“Great. Thanks a lot, Derek.” He broke off.