Come in. The door was suddenly wide open and she was standing to one side.

I entered.

She closed the door behind me, leaned back against it and said, All right, what is it?

There was a feeble light glowing, and a messed-up bed from which I had obviously aroused her.

Look, maybe I didn't give you the whole story the other day, I told her. Yes, it was sabotage, and there was a bomb, and I disposed of it. That's over and done with. Today is the big day, though, and the final attempt is in the offing. I know that for a fact. I think I know what it is and where it is. Can you help me? Can I help you? Help.

Sit down, she said.

There isn't much time.

Sit down, please. I have to get dressed.

Please hurry.

She stepped into the next room and left the door open. I was around the comer from it, though, so it should not have bothered her if she trusted me, and I guess she did, because she did.

What is it? she asked me, amidst the rustle of clothing.

I believe that one or more of our three atomic charges has been booby-trapped, so that the bird will sing a bit prematurely within its cage.

Why? she said.

Because there are two men back in my cabin, both of them taped to chairs, who tried to make me talk earlier this evening, with respect to my servicing of the J-9.

What does that prove?

They were kind of rough on me.

So?

When I got the upper hand, I got the same way with them. I made them talk.

How?

None of your business. But they talked. I think RUMOKO's igniters need another check.

I can pick them up in your cabin?

Yes.

How did you apprehend them?

They didn't know I had a gun.

I see. Neither did I ... We'll get them, don't worry. But you are telling me that you took both of them and beat some answers out of them?