The words vanished, were replaced by a computer-generated diagram of Ryo’s body. On the peripheral screens information began to unroll, accompanied by smaller diagrams and appropriate commentary.

“That’s your file!” Loo blurted in surprise.

“Indeed,” Ryo replied. Behind him the two humans leaned closer. Evidently neither had seen the information now appearing on the screens.

Ryo let it unspool at its own leisurely pace for a while, then touched a control. The text and graphics became a multicolored blur on the screens. A beep sounded from somewhere inside the console and the information slowed to a near crawl.

“This is the section I would like you to pay attention to,” he said drily. “I found it most interesting.”

Bonnie’s eyes traveled through the paragraphs, slowed at a particular line. “… and it is therefore concluded, that additional questioning beyond the prescribed date can generate only minimal new information. Urgent requests continue outstanding from Xenophysiology and other bureaus for further material on internal construction and in particular cerebral makeup and capability of the specimen in question.”

Behind Ryo, Bonnie flinched at the last phrase. The information continued to roll up the screen.

“The military branches in particular are interested in all aspects of the aforementioned with view toward future methodology for confusing such functions as vision and feel. Particular inquiry is desired into the physiology of the faz sense, which is not duplicated in humans and which presents unique military difficulties of its own.

“It has therefore been decided by a vote of twelve to ten by the senior planners of Project Thranx that, since the specimen in question appears to occupy only a minimal status among his own hierarchy and that since his where-abouts are in any case unknown to them, postmortem internal studies should commence on the date indicated.

“Psych Staff sees no problem in creating suitable excuse to explain the specimen’s demise should the need arise. This also supported by a vote of 12–10 by the senior planners.

“Note is made of the closeness of the decision and the vehemence of those voting in opposition. Revote reconfirms the decision to proceed with the aforementioned. Euthanasia will be performed the evening prior to the announced date and dissection and study will commence following. Sig.Per.Proc. See tables MEDICAL, THRANZ PROJ.”

Fresh information continued to appear. Neither Bonnie nor Loo paid any attention to it. Their single lenses seemed slightly glazed. While he recognized the phenomenon, Ryo could not interpret it sufficiently to correlate it with his companions’ feelings.

“Did I not tell you it was most interesting?” he finally said into the silence. “Apparently your superiors are so busy keeping knowledge of my presence here unknown to the station personnel, they neglected to guard it sufficiently from me.”

“It’s monstrous,” Loo muttered. “They want to cut you up to see what makes you tick.”

“They have no grounds, no reason …” Bonnie began, so angry she could hardly speak.