She cocked her head to one side. “I think you very neatly sidestepped my question, but I find your answer quite acceptable. Now, do we walk down to Detention like this, or do we act more like the two proper, senior members of the staff we’re supposed to be?”

Travis smiled, stepped back, and bowed. “After you, Miss Lambert.”

The Major had not yet arrived, and as Nicole and Travis entered the small, narrow observation room, Nicole moved to the window and studied the figure lying on the cot in the cell with his face toward her. He didn’t have Travis’s rugged handsomeness, but his features were pleasant, with a square chin and strong mouth. His hair was rough cut and dark brown, but lightened by hours in the sun. The sun had also left his face and neck a deep tan. His hands were farmer’s hands and his clothes plainly homemade. “Is that the one?”

Travis stepped up next to her. “Yes. Eric Lloyd.”

“He’s young.”

“Twenty-four. Same as you.”

“But I expected an older man. Is he married?”

“Hey!” Travis growled. “What kind of question is that? I know he’s good looking, but—”

She dug her elbow into his side. “Come on. You said his father was killed. Does he have any other family? That could make a difference in how quickly he responds.”

“His mother is here. He has a sister who’s twenty-one and two younger sisters, one nine and the other six. They’re all fine.”

“Will they be implanted?”

“Of course.”

Nicole frowned, thinking of the six-year-old. “Families of the Guardians are exempt from implantation. Why won’t that be true for his?”

Travis shrugged. “That’s up to the Major, but his policy in cases like this is to go with a Stage Two for now, pull them back to Stage One when the candidate begins to prove himself, then remove them completely once we are sure he is completely turned. That way he’ll have some leverage.”

He was watching her closely for her reaction, but Nicole continued to stare through the one-way glass. “Has he been sedated the whole time?”

“Yes. We used the stun gun on him and then put him under sedation before he came fully out of it. But we gave him the last injection late last night, so it should be wearing off any time now.”

“So he’ll have no idea where he is?”

“None. And he doesn’t know about his father either. That happened after he was captured.”

She shook her head. “Then he is going to have a lot of reason for hating us. That is going to make it very difficult. I—”

At that moment the door pushed open, and the Major strode in. “Travis!” He quickly crossed the room and gripped the younger man’s hand. “Welcome back.”

“Thank you, sir. It’s good to be back.”

“Hello, Nicole. How are you?”