Mister

link," the ex-mercenary replied. He tapped the spot with his forefinger. "Keyed to a base unit, it's very useful. On Tethys, of course—" the smile became momentarily carnivorous— "and without the Regiment, it serves no function. Except to fill the hole cut in the bone to hold it."
"And—" the specialist began, his finger sliding to the lower blotch.
"And this is a remote unit that does function on Tethys," Pritchard said, almost anticipating the question. He spoke with the cool good-nature he generally maintained around things wearing crimson. "It's linked to the Port, where a message capsule is already cleared for Friesland. Colonel Hammer wished to be informed immediately if anything untoward occurred during today's deliberations."
He turned. The clothing Pritchard now wore was nothing like the battle-dress he had doffed for good, two years before. No one could look at him at that moment, however, and doubt his military background. "Do you object to Colonel Hammer having that full report?"
"Mark," said Subiyaga, clearing his link.
The man who met Danny's eyes from the van across the courtyard spoke briefly, sharply.
"No, Mister Pritchard," said the specialist to the ex-soldier's back. "We have no objection. You may enter