"On Callisto...?"
"On Callisto."
A shudder ran through the captain. "You ever been brain-drained, mister?"
"No."
"Well, I have, and it ain't fun. You're out of control. Completely."
A tiny chill touched the nape of Dane's neck. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Nelva watching him—the first hint she'd given that she knew he existed since they'd reached the astrogation chamber.
Once more, the com-box: "What the devil's the matter with you, 214? This is Security talking! We want an acknowledgment right now! You're already into blockade area. Wheel around fast, back away from the Belt, or we'll slap a drain on you!"
Another voice—this one from the amplifier of the ship's own communications network: "Captain Helstrom! Security's trying to get you! They say you're headed into the Belt! Is something wrong? Your door's locked. We can't get in to you...."
Dane ran his tongue along his lips. He could feel his companions' eyes upon him. The tension in the astrogation chamber was soaring higher every second.
"Cargo Vessel 214XB7, this is a last warning! Acknowledge this call and turn back at once! Failure to comply within thirty seconds will result in disabling dynamoencephalolytic action! Repeat, failure to comply within thirty seconds will result in disabling dynamoencephalolytic action...."