Ship's Security, I stated. I believe all technicians are so monitored.

Where is it?

I don't know.

We've got to find it, said the one.

What good will it do? said the other, in a whisper, for which I respected him, as whispers do not often get recorded. They'd have been here long before this, if it were.

Unless they're waiting, letting us hang ourselves.

The first began looking, however, and I rose, met with no objections, and staggered across the room to collapse upon the bed.

My right hand slipped down around the headboard, as though by accident. It found the gun.

I flipped off the safety as I withdrew it. I sat upon the bed and pointed it at them.

All right, morons, I said. Now you answer my questions.

The big one made a move toward his belt and I shot him in the shoulder.

Next? I asked, tearing away the silencer, which had done its work, and replacing it with a pillow.

The other man raised his hands and looked at his buddy.

Let him bleed, I said.

He nodded and stepped back.

Sit down, I told them both.

They did.

I moved over behind the two of them.

Give me that arm, and I took it. I cleaned it and dressed it, as the bullet had gone on through. I had placed their weapons on the dresser. I tore off their hankies and studied their faces. I did not know them from anywhere.

Okay, why are you here? I asked. And why do you want to know what you want to know?

There were no replies.

I don't have as much time as you did, I said. So I'm about to tape you in place. I don't think I can afford to fool around with drugs.

I fetched the adhesive tape from the medicine chest and did it.

These places are pretty soundproof, I remarked, putting the gun aside, and I lied about them being bugged ... So you can do a bit of screaming if you want. I caution you against it, however. Each one earns you one broken bone.