02 Quetzals Flock

QUETZAL'S FLOCK
Tursac and his party. I have ordered evacuation of the Ship - including the remaining
herds. My voiceprint command is as follows - "
The Bole ended abruptly.
"Well, go on!"
"I am not able to simulate the voiceprint command. The Command Computer
has a security lock on its transmission."
Kane swore luridly, Hammadi grinned appreciatively.
"Are you able to listen in to it them?"
"Affirmative."
"Then do so! Ask your big friend to be so kind as to allow you to put your ear
to the keyhole - or whatever other arrangements you have."
There was a protracted silence and he wondered if the Bole had heard
something unrepeatable.
"Go on!"
"The Tepe Siyulk gave the Command Computer instructions for all
eventualities. He gave specific instruction, that in the event of his death, the entire
Ship was to be placed in self-destruct mode!"
Kane breathed softly.
"The bastard! How fortunate for us, that the illustrious Tepe Siyulk is alive and
well!"
He glared at Hammadi, who had gone pale. He nodded slowly as the
understanding dawned.
"Continue."
"The controls can only be unlocked by the use of a single word, which will be
spoken by a man other than the Tepe Siyulk. He has fed the voiceprint of that man
into the reserved core of the Command Computer. It is in the form of the word to be
spoken."
"Are we allowed to hear the voice of the man? What is his name?"
"That is restricted information."
They had come a full circle. They had uncovered a great deal and they had
also discovered that the Tepe Siyulk had not been a man who did things by half
measures. Kane turned again to the Bole.
"The voice of this man - is it a living voice - or was it recorded?"
There was another silence. It spoke volumes in itself. The Command
Computer was exercising extreme electronic caution. The Bole was finding it difficult
to wade through a tangle of blocking circuits and defence loops. However, it appeared
that the little genius was getting some results.
"It will be a living voice."
Kane looked at Hammadi hopelessly.
"That stuffs it! The living voice will need to be as alive and healthy as the
Tepe Siyulk, himself!"
Hammadi nodded slowly, Kane was thankful that he was quick on the uptake.
Kane instructed the Bole.
"Continue to investigate - with extreme caution - understood?"
"Affirmative."
Hammadi said softly.
"We had better find something else to talk about - some subjects could be
dangerous."
Kane shrugged, there was nothing to lose. It would take time for the Bole to
wade through interminable circuit paths, looking for a loophole in the armour which
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