Metafire

"We already have him up on our screens, Frank. Now, Frank, what is it that you want. Why are you doing this?"

"We don't have an answer for you, John. You should contact Dr. O'Leary, or Metafire One. Perhaps they can help. All I can tell you is that any attempt to interfere with us will endanger the hostages."

"Will you agree to keep talking, Frank? As long as you will talk with us, we can continue with your provisioning. My people tell me you need oxygen reprocessing attached to your cavern in the next week or so. Is that right?"

"Yes, we've made that order. Yes, we can continue to talk. Thank you for letting us continue to do business." Frank was almost as polite as Dr. O'Leary.

Ferguson disconnected. He then leaned over to his keyboard and said, "Let's get this George Davis on the line. Or, whoever is in control of Metafire One."

George also told of hostages, but he would not reveal who was on the Shuttle and who was in the Metafire One colony.

"John." George was changing the subject.