His hand went again to the back pocket, touching the communicator. The cold metal of the box again had its soothing effect on his battered psyche. There was an Earth. There was a ship orbiting high above the city, ready to help him. He was not alone in this ordeal, merely by himself.
“You haven’t licked me yet, Bael,” he panted softly.
“I haven’t tried to,” Bael’s voice came to him. Ryan looked up, startled. Over his head was suspended a large tri-dee screen, filled with Bael’s image. “There’s no need to run, Jeff; the city can keep me posted of your whereabouts every minute. I can find you anytime I please. But if you want to be on your own, it’s your decision. We tried to save you; whatever happens now is on your own head. Goodbye.” The screen went blank.
Ryan looked down at his hand,
