by Edward Elmer Smith and Edward Everett Evans

“ When any one of them reacts, it trips the kickers and we emerge. During any emergency outside the Solar System I am in command—with the provision that I must relinquish command to you in case of armed attack on us.”
“Where do you think you found any such stuff as that in the directive? It isn't there and I know my rights.”
“It is, and you don't. Here is a semantic chart of the whole directive. As you will note, it overrides many Navy regulations. Disobedience of my orders constitutes mutiny and I can—and will—have you put in irons and sent back to Terra for court-martial. Now let's go back.” ”

“ I know I was rammed down your throat, but just when are you going to let me do some work?”
“None of us has much of anything to do yet, and won't have until we light somewhere. You're off base a country mile.” ”

“ Karns declared. “Captain Sawtelle is old-school Navy brass. He goes strictly by the book. So you've got to draw a razor-sharp line; exactly where the Advisory Board's directive puts it. And next time he sticks his ugly puss across that line, kick his face in. You've been Caspar Milquetoast Two ever since we left Base.”
“That's the way it looks to you?” Hilton's right hand became a fist. “The man has age, experience and ability. ”