He heaped his plate with succulent synthetics in the crowded dining room, then decided he didn't feel much like eating. Once he caught a glimpse of Cluny-ann, but she sat far across the room, in earnest conversation with three tall strong women who probably were her squad leaders.
Nine forty-five....
Ker-jon crossed to the cashier's window, gave the woman mutant a six-credit slip, pocketed his change, left the dining room. He knew of no other way to kill time. He'd waited at the cashier's window, picking at his teeth, striking up meaningless conversation with the woman. Not accustomed to talk with a non-mutant, she'd been awkward. Now he still had fifteen minutes, and the way he felt, it would seem like hours.
He strode rapidly down the corridor, past the door to the astro-room. Nothing there, not yet. Too early.
He reached the ramp which led to 'ponics. Two men lolled there, insolently. Green-uniformed men—police. Why?
Ker-jon's palms were clammy when he reached them, but he tried to walk between them indifferently. They came together, barring his way. They didn't say a word.
"I'm on duty in 'ponics in ten minutes," Ker-jon told them.
"That's interesting," one said.
"Are you looking for anyone in particular?"
"Yes."