Ram entered the Log Depot's conventional communications center and nodded to the young operator.
"Make the contact," he said, adding, "Relay the message through one of the transports; delete all references that show this facility is in the loop."
Switches snapped as the operator nodded. His hands sped across the keypad. A few moments passed and his voice issued as an electronic whisper.
"Calling Planet Pluto Comm Center. This is the UIPS
Transport Akiba, Call Sign 943 dash 792. We have a
Priority One message for your government. Stand by
to record. Acknowledge."
A slight crackle.
"This is Planet Pluto Comm Center to Call Sign 943 dash 792. We are ready to record. Go ahead."
Ram drew a small plastic card from the breast pocket of his tunic and handed it to the operator. Without glancing at the card the operator slipped it into a slot in the console. A light on the panel blinked on and off and the card ejected. The operator returned it to Ram with a single motion and a smile.
"Message dispatched, sir."
##
Narval pushed the message aside and away. Face flushed in anger, he stared at Drummer.