Kir looked around unhappily, then sank into a chair. "What's there to talk about, then? You know what we were doing." "In general, yes, we do. A good deal was on your tapes. But we need more detail, and we've got to pick up your companions, you know. It would be a lot better if we knew where they were." "I don't know where they are myself. They're building up their forces, and working for position. This is just the opening, you see. The real game won't start for quite a while." Lanko laughed shortly. "Frankly, I don't think it will start. But it would make it simpler for all concerned if you'd help us find the players." "I told you. I don't know where they are. They don't have to tell the referee every move they make, unless they want a consultation as to legality. I was just keeping watch on the general picture, to see that neither of them broke a rule, or took an unfair advantage." "You may not know where they are," Lanko admitted, "but you can certainly contact them." Genro Kir smiled tightly. "But I won't." "They'll be hunted down, you know. We'll have them eventually. Be a lot easier for all concerned if you'd cooeperate." "Cooeperate with a bunch of half savage natives, against my own friends? Don't be more stupid than you have to be!" "I see." Lanko glanced away. "All very ethical, of course. Well, in that case, we'll have to go to work." He pulled a fine chain from a case at his belt, and walked over to his captive, weapon ready. "Just hold still," he ordered. He slipped the delicate looking necklace over the man's head, squeezed the pendant, and jumped back. "I don't know whether you're familiar with this device," he said, "so I'll explain it to you. It's a type ninety-two gravitic manacle, and is designed to hold any known being. You can move about freely, so long as you don't make any sudden or violent motion. The device is keyed to my shield, and you'll suffer temporary paralysis if you get within my near zone. You're safe enough a couple of meters from me." He walked back to the control console. "Oh, yes," he added, "don't try to take it off. It's designed to prevent that action by positive means. It won't do you any permanent damage, but it can make you pretty uncomfortable. And, remember, if it becomes necessary, I can activate the manacle. It'll put you into full paralysis and send out a strong homing signal." Genro Kir looked at him sourly. "I won't try to escape," he promised. "That's immaterial to me." Lanko flicked switches and the ship rose from the ground, swung, and started westward. "I was merely describing the capabilities of the manacle." * * * * * On the way over the sea, Lanko noted the positions of a few of the trading ships, and approached them closely, examining them. As he approached a small archipelago, his communicator screen brightened. "Resident Guardsman to Sportster. Identity yourself. Over."