“The kid with Vaneski was shot by a police officer, but Vaneski got away—after knifing a priest with a vibroblade.
“It must have given him a hell of a shock to report back to duty and find that I was going to be one of his superior officers.
“As soon as I linked things up in my own mind, I checked with Captain Quill. The boy’s records show the names of his half-siblings. They also show that he was on leave in New York just before being assigned to the Brainchild. After that, it was just a matter of trapping him. And there he is.”
Leda looked at the unconscious boy on the table.
“Immaturity,” she said. “He just never grew up.”
“Mister von Liegnitz,” said Captain Quill, “will you and Mister Keku take the prisoner to a safe place? Put him in irons until we are ready to transfer to the Fireball. Thank you.”
24
Leda Crannon helped Mike pack his gear. Neither of them wanted, just yet, to bring up the subject of Mike’s leaving. Leda would remain behind on Eisberg to work with Snookums, while Mike would be taking the Fireball back to Earth.