"Whazzat?" He looked wild-eyed at Retief.
"Watch officer wants orbit figures," Retief said, nodding toward the speaker.
The captain rubbed his eyes, shook his head, picked up the mike. Retief released the safety on the needler with an audible click.
"Watch Officer, I'll ... ah ... get some figures for you right away. I'm ... ah ... busy right now."
"What the hell you talking about, busy?" the speaker blared. "You ain't got them figures ready, you'll have a hell of a hot time getting 'em up in the next three minutes. You forgot your approach pattern or something?"
"I guess I overlooked it," the Captain said, looking sideways at Retief. "I've been busy."
"One for your side," Retief said. He reached for the captain.
"I'll make a deal," the captain squalled. "Your life for—"
Retief took aim and slammed a hard right to the captain's jaw. He slumped to the floor.
Retief glanced around the room, yanked wires loose from a motile lamp, trussed the man's hands and feet, stuffed his mouth with paper and taped it.