"Can you break him, Major?" asked Nyle as Buck entered the office after delivering Sayer to his cell. The Governor's eyes were locked on Treodon.
Buck stood by the door and watched Treodon squirm. He had boasted about his prowess as an interrogator and now he had to answer for his failings.
"Yes, Governor. I'll break him. I just need to find a new strategy. Topa and I have some ideas." Treodon's rodent-like face glanced at the giant Lieutenant standing beside him.
Topa nodded at Nyle ignorantly.
Nyle leaned back in his chair, his fingers gently tapping the armrests, and stared arrogantly at the two interrogators.
The look of superiority smeared across Nyle's face turned Buck's stomach. Since Nyle had gained his governorship, Buck had noticed a significant change in the Colonel's behavior and mannerisms. He had become more demanding, less receptive, and increasingly condescending. The dark delusions of authority had snared Nyle in a web of self-importance.
Contempt flared in Treodon's eyes. "I'll admit, Colonel, Ersk is tougher than I had expected, but I will break him. Give me a few more days and he'll talk."
Nyle tore into Treodon, pointing out his failings as an interrogator and as a Network officer. The Governor's bald head turned crimson as he described the unpleasant details of the Major's next assignment if he was to fail in breaking the prisoner.
Kirton moved next to Buck and nudged him. "Things are getting a little tense."
Buck nodded. The tension in Fleet Captain Kirton's voice was evident as well. The prospect of upcoming battles on the untested commander seemed to be taking their toll.
"You think Treodon can get the information from Ersk?" whispered Kirton.
"He's good, but Sayer's tough. It's hard to say."
Kirton sighed. "Want to get a drink later?"
"No. I've got things to do." Buck patted the Captain on his shoulder and moved to the window.
Nyle had finished berating Major Treodon and had moved on to Lieutenant Topa. Buck watched the giant man tense at every vicious word.
"Are you some kind of mindless pet of Treodon's?" The veins in Nyle's neck bulged. "I can promise you a long tour of guard duty. No more of the luxuries you enjoy with Treodon, because if you fail, I'm going to break up this little partnership and you'll never work with him again."
Topa's massive hands curled into fists and his eyes stared at the floor. Buck knew Nyle had hit a nerve. Topa and Treodon had worked together for years and had developed a close friendship. The loyalty Topa displayed for the Major was almost perverse.
Treodon patted the Lieutenant on the back and stepped toward the desk. Suppressed rage seeped into his words. "If you're finished, we have work to do, Governor. Sayer Ersk will talk tomorrow. I promise you."
A chill shot down Buck's spine. He feared for Sayer's life. The look in the interrogators' eyes said it all - Sayer would talk or he would die.
Nyle dismissed them with a wave of his hand and the two interrogators barreled out the office. Nyle turned to Kirton. "Are my forces ready?"
"Yes. I have everything in hand."
"Are you ready?"
Kirton's eyes widened and the muscles in his neck tightened. "I'm ready. But the information would make things easier."
"You may not have that luxury, Captain." Nyle sounded like a parent scolding a child. "I suggest you prepare for that contingency, or should I find a replacement?"
"No, sir." The Captain sighed heavily. "I'll be prepared."
"I hope so. You are dismissed, Captain."
Buck watched Kirton leave. He looked as if he were on the verge of crying. "I'll talk to you later, Kirt." Buck smiled reassuringly. Kirton forced a smile and disappeared behind the office door.
"He's nervous. I'm worried," stated Nyle as he propped his feet on the corner of his desk.
Buck knew this was an invitation for an opinion. "He'll do fine, Nyle. I think it's just a case of pre-battle jitters."
Nyle smoothed his red eyebrows with his index finder. "Maybe. You have any problems, Buck?"
He thought of mentioning the overly severe beatings of Sayer, but quickly decided against it. "No, sir." Buck watched Nyle pluck his nose hairs. He suddenly wanted to leave.
"Good night, Buck. Have Ersk here by the fifth cycle of the morning and inform the others of the time change." Nyle flinched as he yanked a stubborn hair.
Buck turned away quickly. "Good night, Governor. See you in the morning."
As Buck left the office, Kirton confronted him. The Captain's lips quivered and his hands shook. "Is he going to replace me?"
Buck grasped the Fleet Captain's shoulder and squeezed it reassuringly. "Relax, Kirt. He was just kidding. You're not going to be replaced." Buck hoped not.
A sigh slipped from his lips. "You want to get a drink?"
"I told you I can't. Maybe Tomorrow. Oh, I almost forgot. We're starting at the fifth cycle tomorrow. Okay?"
Kirton nodded.
Buck took the elevator to the second floor and entered Treodon's office. The Major and the Lieutenant eyed him suspiciously.
"Nyle said we're starting a little earlier tomorrow - the fifth cycle," informed Buck, trying to sound casual.
"Why?" demanded Topa.
"Because he said so," snapped Buck.
"We'll be more than ready," stated Treodon, anticipating Topa's reply.
Buck locked eyes with Topa. "You'd better be." He turned and withdrew from the office. They were planning something. He saw it in their eyes.
Buck left Network Headquarters and headed home. As he rode in his glider, a car that rides on air, Buck wondered if Sayer would survive beyond tomorrow.
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