"I am waiting for Miss Scott," replied Norman stiffly.
For a moment the two men's wills clashed. It was the Captain, oddly enough, who yielded. "Very well. May I see your book, Miss Scott?"
Norman felt a sense of triumph as Jennifer passed over her book.
The Captain accepted it, scanned it briefly. "I see your father is Commandant Scott. I know him very well. A capable man. We need more administrators like him in the Colonies. But Earth doesn't produce the men she used to. If it weren't for the Outlanders, the Empire would fall to pieces. Decadency; that's the sickness of Earth. Be sure to convey my respects to your father, Miss Scott."
Jennifer smiled, said, "Thank you, Captain."
"I believe you were with Mr. Saint Clair. Did you seen anyone ahead of you?"
Jennifer frowned in an effort to remember, shook her curly black hair. "I'm sorry, Captain."
Before he could reply an officer pushed his way into the group. Norman recognized him as the colonel in charge of the Armed Guard.
"Hello, Captain," said the Colonel. "One of my men just informed me of the murder." He glanced at the body. "I suggest you close off this corridor and take these people's names."
"I've done both," said the Captain tartly. "Since you've arrived, Colonel, I can leave the investigation in your hands. Meanwhile this must be reported to the T.I.S. You'll excuse me, Colonel?"