Hayes did not turn his head, but I saw the muscles in his jaw relax slightly.

“Good,” Hayes said. “Now we just have to deal with the company outside.”

The heavy metal door vibrated as a heavy blow struck the lock.

“Chief Hayes!” Captain Turner’s voice boomed through the steel panels. “This is Captain Turner.”

“I hear you, Captain,” Hayes said, not moving an inch.

“You are aiding and abetting a civilian who is compromising national security,” Turner shouted.

“Actually, Captain, I am securing a compromised terminal,” Hayes replied.

“You are committing mutiny, Chief,” Turner said, his voice rising in pitch. “Open this door or I will have the master-at-arms take you down.”

I stood up from the console, my legs feeling stiff and cold.

The air in the radio shack smelled of hot solder, ozone, and old grease.

I walked over to the secure phone on the bulkhead.

The red light on the receiver was still flashing, a silent demand for attention.

I picked up the handset and pressed the flashing button.

“This is Dr. Mitchell,” I said.