INTRUDERS ON THE MOON

Something flashed in the distance.

Felix straightened, eyes narrowed behind the viewport as he searched the area. It had only been a brief twinkle of brilliance and for a moment he doubted whether he had seen anything at all. Then it came again, a sunbright sparkle as of light reflecting from some bright surface. It came from the far distance between Tycho and the station and, he knew, it could only have been caused by some moving object.

Echlan had seen it too. Before Felix could report he heard the sergeant's voice.

"Unknown object approaching station on bearing three twenty-five. Distance about five miles."

"Message received," said a woman's voice. "Switch to combat channel."