d simplify his job.

Scarf did not. Instead, armed troops spilled from
the bay, crowding the passageway. Scarf followed,
his coarse features congested.

"There's five of 'em, plus Drummer," he shouted.
"Search the ship. You know who they are. Shoot
'em on sight. I want them dead."

Hodak tried to draw a bead on Scarf but troopers
blocked the line of fire. Several started in his
direction. He cut a swath through them, searching
for Scarf.

The first streaks of concentrated energy wrought
havoc in the forward ranks. The stench of burning
flesh came at him with a rush, and the corridor
reverberated with howls and screeches of agony.
Unaware of what they were up against, the troops
milled about in confusion. They clawed at each
other in panic to get back into the bay and out
of the line of fire. Scarf was somewhere in the
struggle.

The tiny receiver in Hodak's ear came alive.

"Sentinels. Flight deck. Now."

Hodak directed a final lengthy barrage of rifle
bursts at the entry. Molten metal and sparks
bounced off the frames in all directions, followed
by screams and shrieks from inside the compartment.

"Unfinished business," Hodak muttered as he turned
and raced off.

Chapter FORTY-TWO

The watch was changing on the flight deck. Up ahead
Brad saw three guards and two technicians entering
to take their posts; moments later an equal number
came out and disappeared down a companionway.
Ship's crew strolled the passageways and on
business in and out of maintenance shops, or
engrossed in discussions with companions about
Drummer's appeal.

Few noticed Brad or his companions; those who
did gave them a passing glance and moved on.
The ship was preparing for action, and armed,
suited-up crews were to be expected.

Brad signaled a pause. Adari, in flight gear as the
others were, joined them and stood with Kumiko
laughing and talking through open visi-plates.
Hodak, against a bulkhead, held a maintenance
manual, slowly flipping pages, apparently reading.
Brad and Drummer moved short distances along
the corridor, seemingly in thoughtful conversation.
The scene reflected routine.

The traffic thinned momentarily. Brad looked
quickly along the corridor and motioned. They
converged toward the companionway leading to
the flight deck.

Brad entered first, followed by Hodak, Adari,
Drummer and Kumiko. Inside, Kumiko swung the
hatch shut and dogged it.

Myra, pressed into a corner against the far