"It's a--" he stopped abruptly and scowled. "You're pulling my leg," he
accused.
"I am _not_!" I said firmly. "I haven't touched your leg, although you
have broken mine."
He winced. "I asked for that," he said. "I mean, you were carrying an
Atomic."
I nodded. "I was," I said calmly, "and if it hadn't been for that
Halsite--"
"You wouldn't have done anything except destroy yourself," he
interrupted. "This place is shielded like a Base Fortress. But I didn't
want you dead," he chuckled. "You're more useful alive."