“I see.” Phule frowned. “I was hoping I could speak with him directly about who it was who attacked him.”
“His injuries make it impossible for him to talk, Mr. Phule.” Maxine’s voice was momentarily cold. “But he can write. I suggest that you confine your investigation to your own people to determine who ordered the attack. We already know who executed it.”
“Who was it?”
“I already said that it was not one of your Legionnaires, Captain, and as the attack did not take place on the premises of the Fat Chance, I don’t believe it’s any of your concern. Now, if you’ll forgive me, there are things which require my immediate attention.”
With that, she broke the connection.
Phule frowned at the receiver for several moments before gently placing it back on its cradle.
“What is it, Captain?” Tiffany said, noting the expression on his face.
“I’m not sure,” the commander admitted. “It seems that the person who attacked you and Doc has been …”
A shrill beep from his wrist communicator interrupted him. Despite the urgency of the sound, Phule stared at it for a few moments before answering the signal. There were only a few of the command communicators such as he was wearing, so the radio silence order did not preclude the use of the exclusive channels. Still, he had left orders with Mother that he was to be disturbed only for an emergency while he was visiting the clinic.
“Phule here,” he said, finally opening the line.
“Sorry to bother you, Captain,” came Mother’s voice without any of her usual banter, “but things are popping back here at the casino and I thought you should know about it. First of all, we’ve got the two missing communicators back, and-“