He had to see the Exec to get permission to speak with the Captain. He expected to have to wait quite a while even for the Exec, and so he was quite surprised when the pretty blonde sergeant told him to go right in.
"He's in conference," she said, "but he wants you there."
"Thanks," Conroy said, puzzled.
He walked into the Exec's mahogany-panelled office—and found himself staring squarely down the muzzle of Bayliss Kent's pistol.
"Well, well—the prodigal returns." Kent's lean face wore an ugly sneer. "Get your hands above your head, Conroy."
"How did you get here?" Conroy demanded. "And where's the Exec?"
Kent shrugged. "How did we get in? Very simple. I told the Exec I had important news of a mutiny—which I did. The Exec has been—ah—disposed of."
"And I suppose you're going to kill me now?"
"No," Kent said surprisingly. "Things have changed." His eyes narrowed. "One of my men got a little over-enthusiastic, I'm afraid. The Chief Navigator has been killed."