Vorgens blinked, and focused his thoughts on the exec’s question with an obvious effort.
“Tonight,” he said at last. “Tell them to land under cover of darkness. I don’t want the’Komani to see how few they are.”
The exec nodded. “Sir—I’ve been thinking. We could run the landing ships up and down as many times as you wish. They don’t have to have a full load of troops on board. They can just shuttle back and forth between the starships and the planet all day long, if you like. The Komani won’t know.”
“That would only fool them temporarily,” Vorgens said.
“Yes, I suppose so.”
“Is there anything else?”
“That—uh, that girl, sir. Altai. She’s been waiting to see you.”
“No, I don’t want to see anyone.”
“Sir, she’s been waiting almost all day.”
“Oh? What time is it?”
“Nearly dark, sir.”
“I—I didn’t realize that I’d been here so long.” He ran a weary hand across his eyes. “All right, I suppose I’ll have to see her sooner or later. Send her in ”
“Yes sir.”
“Oh .. . and release Trooper Giradaux from his quarters,” Vorgens called out as the exec headed for the door. “He’s to resume his normal duties.”
“Very well. sir.”
The exec opened the door, stepped through, and held it open for Altai. Vorgens rose and stood at the head of the table as she walked across the compact little room to him.
“I—I just realized that I don’t know if Merdon’s dead or alive,” the Watchman said.
“He’s in the infirmary,” Altai said, sitting down next to Vorgens”He lost quite a bit of blood, but otherwise he’s not in serious condition.”