"Yes! I think it's quite possible that I can force Ku Sui to transplant you into living bodies! I think—I think—I cannot be sure—that it can be done. At least I will make a very good attempt."
The toneless, mechanical voice uttered:
"Captain Carse, you bring me hope. My thoughts are many, and they are grateful."
But the Hawk had made a promise, and had to be formally freed of the duty it entailed.
"You release me, then," he asked, "from my original promise to destroy you?"
"I release you, Captain Carse. And again I thank you."
The adventurer returned the switches motivating the case, and the faint smile returned to his lips at the thought that had come to him.
But the smile vanished suddenly at the quick, excited words that came crackling into his helmet receiver.
"Carse? Carse? Do you hear me?"
He threw over his microphone control.