​     "I need to talk to Holomos," Adam said into his com to Holomos' control command.  

     "I'm not certain that's possible," came the reply. "If you'd like to make an appointment..." 

​     "Uh, that's okay." Adam knew exactly where the HQ in the compound was located. He flew the Stargod over there, then landed in the private parking space next to Holomos' own.  Up three steps to the front entrance. The door was locked. Adam pulled his ultrasonic lockpicker out of his utility vest. Whatever frequency HQ used to allow the door to unlock, Adam's picker duplicated. Click! The door automatically unlocked. Adam stepped inside... 

​     ...to find himself at one end of a long, expansive hallway. Polished floors. Polished walls. Classy.  

​     Holomos' receptionist stood up from her desk, which was located just to the left of his private office.  

​     "I'm sorry, sir," she said, "but I can't allow you to..." 

​     Adam crossed the lobby. "I'll only be a minute. Victor has obviously forgotten that he owes..." 

     Three men, all Adam's size or larger, and all very muscular, emerged from Victor's office to stand in Adam's way. The tallest and most muscular of the group, a redhead wearing glasses, walked right up to Adam until they stood nose to nose. The redhead smiled amiably and said, "I'm sorry, friend. I don't know how you got in here, but this is a restricted area, and Angela here asked you very nicely to..." 

     "Oh no, actually you've got that exactly backwards. I'm the one who's sorry because..."

                                                   CONTINUE