"Ees ... how you say?... seguridad nacional. Thees ees what el comandante speaks to us."
Rick glanced at Scotty. "National security conference. Those can last a long time." He looked at the sergeant again. "We could go to San Souci, and from there to the hotel, maybe."
"Pero no, señor. That way also ees guard. Ees no way get to hotel. More good you not try, eh? Soldados at hotel, they maybe shoots."
"Now we know," Scotty said. "Nothing more to be gained here."
"Did you see the governor?" Rick asked.
"No, señor. But I saw el comandante Guevara. But eef he ees here, also el gobernador. Cómo no?"
"I guess so," Rick agreed. "Mil gracias, sergeant. Vaya con Dios. A thousand thanks. Go with God."
"Y ustedes," the sergeant returned politely. "And you, señores."
Scotty let the clutch out and the jeep moved ahead. "Now to call on Captain Montoya," he said. "Right?"
"Right," Rick agreed. "Interesting. Guevara tells the troops he and the governor are having a security conference and should not be interrupted. So guards are posted to protect the hotel. And none of the poor soldados realize that blocking the roads also keeps people away from the volcanic pipe, so Guevara and Connel can start work."