He gave one short bark of laughter and then shook his head. “Point well taken. I apologize for making reference to your personal life.”

“I accept your apology,” she said, her voice still stiff. “Is there anything else?”

He watched her for a long moment, his eyes wide and thoughtful. “Hey,” he finally said softly, “I really am sorry. I’m afraid that the last week in here has soured my manners. My mother would be appalled.”

“I understand. Do you have other questions?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Okay.”

“Are you implanted?”

She was instantly on guard again. “No. As we told you, Guardians are exempt. Why?”

“Oh.” He fell silent.

“Why do you ask if I’m implanted?” she finally asked.

“Oh, I just wondered what button to push to get you to smile.”

Her eyes flashed and her mouth snapped into a tight, hard line.

“Whoops,” he said, with a rueful expression. “Obviously not that one.”

She momentarily fought it, but she couldn’t contain it, and she laughed out loud.

“Well, that’s better. And while we’re at it, how about knocking off this ‘Mr. Lloyd’ business? Nobody in my life has ever called me Mr. Lloyd. Okay?”

Nicole nodded. “If you wish. I’m Nicole.”

“Does anyone ever call you Nicky?”

“No, thank heavens.”

“That’s too bad. My sisters call me Ricky. Ricky and Nicky, controller and controllee. It has a special ring to it.”

She pulled a face. “Ricky and Nicky? That’s awful.” She was amazed at the change in him. Suddenly he was a gracious host charming a visiting guest.

He nodded; then slowly the smile left his eyes. “And if you decide I’m not responding as the Major wishes?”

“I will so report.”

“And?”

“You’ll be implanted and sent to Serenity to be a farmer for the rest of your life.”

Eric leaned forward, studying her face so intently that she finally looked down. “And you could really do that?”

Her head came up and she met his stare unflinchingly. “Yes, I could.”

He leaned back, his face thoughtful, and once again he shifted direction, catching her off guard. “What stops people from running?”

“Running?”

“Yes. Going through the Outer Perimeter.”

“They’re happy here.”

“Sorry. You’ll have to do better than that.”

“It’s true!”

“Are you happy?”

Her head snapped up so sharply, her hair bounced lightly on her shoulders. “Of course.”

“How do you manage to hide it so well?”

The emerald eyes had suddenly become twin volcanoes belching fire. “I’m sorry if my basic nature doesn’t fit your picture of the giggly, happy-go-lucky female, Mr. Lloyd, but I am happy. Sorry. Try again.”

Undeterred by her anger, he bored in, his own voice rising. “Are you telling me that happiness is the only thing that keeps people in the Alliance?”

She was taken back by that and hesitated for a moment. He sensed his advantage and pressed in relentlessly.