After Bates stashed the knife in his pants, he sat up casually. He found himself looking up Ishikawa’s pistol. “It’s rude to steal the cutlery,” said the rebel captain.

He flung his plate, as Ishikawa fired. The shot went into the ceiling. Bates shoved Ishikawa backward, and scrambled away before the other men at the table could grab him.

He sprinted for the door. But the USNE crewmen had formed a line in front of it. He charged the left end, knocking over tables. He snatched Carmen and held the knife at her throat.

Ishikawa drew a quick circle with a forefinger; the rebels surrounded the group. “What’s your plan, Bates? Hide in the mountains and live off the land?”

“You’re going to give me the activation code for Shuttle 1,” Bates sneered.

“I don’t think so. But, how about a dead hostage?” Ishikawa’s gun crashed out. Carmen dropped with a cry, and punched Bates in the groin.

Ishikawa helped Carmen up. “Great improv,” he said and hugged her.

The door opened; Reckall and Hart walked in.