“What happened?” I asked.
Cogon winced. “The Pop Cops escorted me to their office for questioning about my little skirmish before they arrested Broken Man.”
I studied his face in concern, but didn’t see any bruises. Understanding my look, Cog touched his ribs and winced again. This time in pain.
“They said I was their best suspect. They threatened to recycle me just for defending my prophet. Told me I might as well confess to killing their colleague, and tell them where Broken Man was hiding.” Cog clamped his teeth together as defiance flashed in his eyes. “I’d confess to murder, but I won’t give him up.”
“Why? You could negotiate and tell them where he is in exchange for not being fed to Chomper.”
He stared at me as if I had spoken gibberish. “He’s important, Trell. He can find Gateway.”
“Hemighthave a location. Big difference, and one not worth being recycled for.”
“He knows. I can feel it.”
I huffed in annoyance. “Come on, Cog. You’re an intelligent man. How can you believe in Gateway without proof?”
“The disks?—”
“Could be part of the ruse.”
He smiled. “Then why did you risk punishment to get them?”
“To prove Broken Man wrong.”
“Then go ahead, prove us wrong.” His confidence turned smug and he watched my expression with a knowing grin. “You can’t resist a challenge. It got you into all kinds of trouble in the care facility.”
“We’re not in the care facility anymore.” I tapped his bruised ribs, emphasizing my point. “The stakes are higher.”
“So is the reward.”
I shook my head. We had lapsed into the same old argument with no ending. Plus we had talked too long. The Pop Cops headed our way. Their continued interest in Cogon meant he remained their primary suspect.
“Why did they let you go?” I asked.
“Two scrubs came forward while I was being questioned and claimed they saw Broken Man wrestle the Pop Cop for his weapon before the elevator doors closed.”
My breath locked in surprise. After a moment I asked, “Did you get their names?”
“Not yet. But I will.”
“Keep playing innocent,” I whispered to him as the Pop Cops came within earshot. Then louder I said, “And my cleaning device has been making weird noises.”
“I’ll let maintenance know,” Cog replied.
“Thanks.” I walked away.
Another twist. I sighed. Why would two people lie? Especially when the right information could make their lives a lot easier.
The questions would have to wait while I dealt with my supervisor. She paced the hallway in front of my cleaning troll’s storage area. A red cuff clenched in her long-fingered hands. She frowned at it.
“Trella,” she said with a snarl. “Going to show up for work this shift?”
I braced. What rotten luck. The supervisors checked to make sure each scrub assigned to them was at their proper work location about once a week. My bad luck to have her looking for me during my last shift. At least I hoped it was luck and not at the directive of a certain lieutenant commander.
“Where were you?” she asked.
“Special assembly.” I glanced at the cuff. If she snapped it around my wrist, I would have to report to the Pop Cops for discipline. They would probably assign me to work in the solid-waste facility during my off hours. When I’d complete the punishment, the cuff would be removed. Until then, everyone would know I was in trouble.
