"That seems almost—almost unbelievable, doesn't it?"
"Why, Mr. Hendricks?"
Correy and Kincaide entered before my junior officer could reply. I think he was rather glad of the excuse for not presenting his reasons.
"Well, sir, she's under guard," reported Correy. "And now what's to be done about her?"
"That," I admitted, "is a question. After all, she's an important personage at home. She was brought to Base as a guest, probably something of a guest of honor, of the Council, I gather. And, considering the work that's cut out for us, it would seem like a poor move to antagonize her unduly. What do you gentlemen think?"
"I think you're right, sir," said Hendricks quickly. "I believe she should be given every consideration."
Kincaide, my level-headed second officer, glanced curiously at Hendricks. "I see she's made one friend, anyway," he said. "Don't let yourself slip, my boy; I've run across her kind before. They're dangerous."
"Thanks, but the warning's not necessary, Mr. Kincaide," replied Hendricks stiffly, an angry flush mounting to his checks. "I merely expressed a requested opinion."
"We'll let that phase of it drop, gentlemen," I cut in sharply, as I saw Kincaide's eyes flash. Trust a woman to stir up strife and ill-feeling! "What shall we do with her?"