Mr. Tucker's voice, the edge of surprise partly lost through the partition, came: "Just a moment."
In silence they waited. General Shorter moved restlessly. Several minutes passed.
The panel opened.
Mr. Tucker was a short, rotund man. His close-cropped hair was graying, although his face was unlined, with the smooth complexion of a child. His irises were gray and gold.
General Shorter stepped forward and introduced himself.
"Come in."
The panel closed.
The two men stood. General Shorter glanced around for a chair.
"Small quarters," Mr. Tucker said. "If you like, sit there. I'll sit on the bed."