The old scientist’s cranium seemed way too big as he shook his head in the negative. It reminded Mosh of a pinkish-purple lollipop sticking out of a sweater. “Foolish girl, it is incapable of dying. We killed his body once, but he simply willed himself back into existence. If we could simply kill it then we wouldn’t have needed to bury the host. By every calculation it should still be lying dormant. If you could totally destroy its host, it will simply find a new one and the nightmare will continue.”

“Whatever. I only want to get my friends back. They’re trapped inside the Last Dragon.”

“Then you have my condolences, because they’re already dead. I will not help you. I am sworn to secrecy, and I am a man of principles.”

Holly swore under her breath as she paced back and forth. It was obvious she was thinking hard. Her expression changed subtly before she gave Mosh a malicious look. “Is that how it’s going to be, then?”

“I am afraid so, my dear.”

“Well, that’s too bad…Dr. Blish, scientist from Decision Week, who worked on the Mark Thirteen project at Los Alamos and who knows our monster personally. You would’ve been a young man back then. I should probably point that out in case he doesn’t recognize you, Dr. Blish.”

“Stop! Are you mad? If he hears, he’ll kill you as well!”

“That’s a risk I’m willing to take.” Holly raised her voice. “Did you get that? Blish. It’s spelled B-l-i-s-h.” Suddenly she reached down, grasped the arms of his chair, and jerked him around. She bent over and stared him square in the eye. “Man of principles, my ass. Quit wasting my time. Tell me what you know or I swear that I will get on the intercom and call this son of a bitch down on top of us. Talk!”

“Please, stop.” The doctor quavered. “I’ll tell you everything.”

The ancient scientist seemed like he might begin crying. Mosh had never helped abuse a senior citizen before. “Damn, Holly. You don’t screw around.”

“Sure I do, just not when my people are in danger. Spill it, Doc.”