As Lerner approached the buildings about a half mile away, Grimes switched from a direct view to the television screen that maintained a life-size close-up. He felt a momentary urge to organize a small force and lead it up to the navigator's position. What kept him back? That was the way he had planned it before the tape had gone to work on him. What were Manson and the others thinking now?
"The photo-electric cell is still operating the door," Lerner said. "I don't see anybody around."
The television camera still showed the front of the building. There was no window through which it could scan the inside.
"Look around carefully and don't move until you're sure of yourself," Grimes ordered. "According to the reports, you should be in a lobby surrounded by glass-walled offices. Is that the picture?"
"That is correct, sir. I don't see any signs of anybody. Wait...." The voice stopped for a minute. Captain Grimes leaned forward tensely. Then Lerner began to speak again, hesitantly.
"I see ... I see a costume hanging ... hanging in one of the offices. There might be somebody there ... probably just wearing shorts or something. I don't feel so good...."
"Get out of there quick," Grimes shouted.
"Yes, sir," came the reply, weakly. "There is someone here. He sees me but I don't think he ... I don't know if he's coming down. Yes, I guess he is. He's only wearing shorts. He's ... what did you say, Captain?"
"I said get out of there. Get out of there at once, Lerner."
"I can't make you out, sir. My head hurts. I'm coming out. I feel sick at my stomach. I...."