“Or has the Major invented another one of his little electronic gimmicks to see that no one crosses over the line?”

“I—”

“Yes, I’m listening,” he said sarcastically. “They aren’t totally free, are they?”

“No, Mr. Lloyd,” she said, the anger at his attack suddenly giving her the control she needed. “The wrist computer is monitored by the central computers. If a person crosses the Outer Perimeter, it automatically triggers the Punishment Mode. Intense agony would result.”

“How intense?”

She bit her lower lip.

“Well?” he demanded.

“It would probably be fatal.”

“That’s what I figured. So much for happiness.”

“But, no one ever—”

“I’m sure of that. Now, I have one other condition for acceptance.”

“Somehow I thought the Major was setting the conditions,” she said dryly, “but go ahead. It’s your little show.”

“I want Dr. Cameron put on the same status as my family. As soon as I prove myself, he goes up to Stage One implantation, then has it removed when they do. Agreed?”

She shook her head. “The policy is strictly limited to immediate family members, and I can’t change that.”

Eric turned to the mirror. “Major? That’s my condition.”

The silence in the cell stretched out for a long moment. Then the overhead speaker popped.

“Nicole is right, Eric. That’s a very strict Guardian policy.”

“If it weren’t for your Guardian policy,” Eric shot back angrily, “my father would be alive right now. Since he’s not, Cliff is the closest thing to it. I want him counted as my father now. I figure you owe me that.”

Nicole watched his reflection in the mirror, a little awed that one minute he could absolutely infuriate her, and the next moment move her emotionally to his side, hoping that the Major would grant his request.

Finally the speaker blared again. “It’s against my better judgment, but Travis thinks we ought to make an exception in this case. Nicole? What do you think?”

Eric turned around and watched her, but she detected no pleading in his eyes, no submission on his face, just a patient scrutiny of her inner depths.

“Yes,” she finally said, looking past him. “I think the special circumstances warrant the exception.”

“All right,” the Major said after a moment. “You have your agreement, Eric. Does that mean you accept?”

Eric nodded. “How soon do I get out of here?”

The Major laughed. “Well, we didn’t expect your decision for another half hour. It will take that long to get ready. But I took the liberty of sending for your entire family. Your sisters are very anxious to see you. I’ll send them in now, and that will help pass the time.”

“All right. Thank you.”

As Nicole stood up and the door opened, Eric stepped back and bowed slightly, then lifted his hand in salute. “Well, Nicky,” he said with mock solemnity, “here’s to a great partnership.”

CHAPTER 11