He held the gun more tightly. His heart beat rapidly, and his mouth was dry. But he was not afraid. There was an iciness far down inside of him.
He stepped across the threshold, and just as suddenly, leaped back.
He heard the stumble of the Oligarch's fleeing feet, heard the office door open and slam.
Herb waited, listening: a feint?
No. There was no sound.
Again he stepped into the messhall. It was empty.
"Herb!" Norma called. "Herb! Are you all right?" She was running down the corridor toward him.
"Get back!" Herb called, but she came on, and then she was beside him.
"He's in the office. I'm going after him. You stay here."
"No. Leave him there. Prop the door. Keep him in. Take the ship...."