“I told him to go along with anything up to serious injury of our people. If it comes to that, he’s to get out.”

“And Shirley?”

“Yes. Her too. We figured that having Joe ask her to join him was a natural for Eric to swallow.” He groaned. “I didn’t expect her to send that message over the wrist computers. But on the other hand, I gave her the same instructions as Joe. I suppose it’s worth it. I think Eric has bought their authenticity.”

“Have you heard anything from them?”

“Not yet. It’s still too early. I told them to watch for a chance to use the radio, call in to us when they can. If we could find that base camp…But they are to risk calling only if they can bring us to Eric or if something critical is going to happen. I don’t want the others without him.”

“Well, well, well,” Travis said again, his spirits suddenly soaring.

“I thought you’d be pleased. I think you can understand why I didn’t tell you earlier. I wanted your reaction to be completely natural.”

“Of course.” Travis sat back, unable to believe that the tide had just turned in their favor. “So the Trojan horse is inside the enemy camp.”

“Yes, but the battle isn’t won yet. I—” At that moment, a soft knock came at the door. “Oh good, that’s Dr. Gould now. Come in.”

The short, balding man entered, still clad in the brown suit he had worn at the conference the night before, his face lined with weariness. They exchanged greetings, and, as Dr. Gould sank into the chair with a groan, the Major sat back down. “What did you and Max decide?”

“Yes, he says he can do it. In fact, he brought a unit that will fit inside her wrist computer nicely. We’re ready any time you are.”

Travis started. Her wrist computer? But the Major broke into his thoughts.

“Do you remember Max Grant from our Research and Development Department in Mount Pleasant?” the Major asked.

“Yes.”

“I sent the chopper for him last night. He and Wayne have been working on an idea.”

“Good.”

The Major rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Well, you may not think so when you hear it.”

“Oh? Why not?”

“It has to do with Nicole.”

“Nicole?”

“Yes. First of all, let me say that my hope is that with the help of Joe and Shirley, we can find Eric and put an end to the whole matter. But if not…” He took a deep breath. “Travis, I think Nicole has gone over with them too.”

For a long moment Travis stared back at the Major. “Why do you think so?” he finally said softly.