"So that's your game, Jeffers! Back to space-piracy, and you think you'll use the spacer the Energons have built here! You'd even talk Lorine into it with you."
Jeffers' dark face creased in the barest semblance of a smile.
"Landreth told me to take care of her, didn't he? After all, she used to be part of our crew, and before I see you take her back for trial—"
Curt turned to the girl, spoke softly.
"Your father is dead, Lorine. I'm sorry." He saw her features tighten. She seemed a mere automation, beyond all emotion or grief. Jeffers had taken advantage of this in trying to talk her into his plan. Curt touched one of the electros at his waist.
"I should burn you!" he told Jeffers in a cold, tight voice, and Jeffers went pale. "As it is, we're a hell of a way from being out of this spot, and we'll need you! We'll have to make a try for that spacer." He tossed an electro to Jeffers, handed one to Lorine.
"What happened to Rikert?"
"He's dead too." Curt didn't explain further, for he suddenly knew what was wrong here. He whirled upon Jeffers.
"Tor Ekkov! Where'd he go? Why'd you let him leave here?"
"He insisted on it. Something about a Tele-Magnum! He was driving me crazy with that damned tune of his—"