“At my order,” the captain said, “they’ve given the Watchman several doses of truth drugs. We’ve been questioning him. No sense allowing an opportunity like this to go to waste.”
“Quite right,” said Romis. “What have you learned?”
The captain’s face darkened. “Absolutely nothing. Either he knows nothing … which is hard to believe, or,” he went on, shifting his gaze to the meditech, “he can overcome the effects of the drug ”
Shrugging, Romis turned back to the meditech. “You are certain that you got away from Kor undetected.”
“Yes, sir. We went by the usual route, using only those men we know are loyal to our cause.”
“GoodNow let us pray that none of our loyal friends decide to change loyalties.”
The captain asked, “How are you going to explain Odal’s disappearance? The Leader will be told about it this morning, won’t he?”
“That is correct. And I do not intend to say a word. Kor assumes that Odal, and this meditech and guard, all escaped in the dueling machine. Let him continue to assume that; no suspicion will fall on us.”
The captain murmured approval.
There was a rap at the door. The captain opened it, and the guard outside handed him a written message. The captain scanned it, then handed it to Romis, saying, “Your tri-di link has been set up.”
Romis crumpled the message in his hand. “I had better hurry, then, before the beam leaks enough to be raceable. Here,” he handed the rolled-up paper to the meditech, “destroy this. Personally.”
Romis quickly made his way to another compartment, farther down the passageway, that served as a communications center. When he and the captain entered the compartment, the communications tech rose, saluted, and discreetly stepped out into the passageway.