The Rapier's Touch reached Dart Slot a short time before Mickey Dare's pickup, so the low-altitude vehicle was already grounded and powered-down by the time Chase and Cara got back. Its three-man crew was out on the black, radar-absorbing hull inspecting the combat damage as the pickup rolled up. Among them was a tall, powerfully built black man with long braided hair, dressed in beat-up jeans and a brown leather vest. He stood up, pointing an accusing finger at Chase.