Keith Laumer - Test to Destruction

He laughed shortly. “Are you out of your mind? I haven’t begun to extract the technological secrets the Ree ship represents.”

“We’re not ready for those secrets, John. The race isn’t ready. It’s already changed you. In the end it can only destroy you as a man.”

“Nonsense. I control it utterly. It’s like an extension of my own mind—”

“John—please. If not for my sake or your own, for Dian’s.”

“What’s the child got to do with this?”

“She’s your daughter. She hardly sees you once a week.”

“That’s the price she pays for being the heir to the greatest man—I mean—damn it, Monica, my responsibilities don’t permit me to indulge in all the suburban customs.”

“John—” Her voice was a whisper, painful in its intensity. “Send it away.”

“No. I won’t send it away.”

Her face was pale. “Very well, John. As you wish.”

“Yes. As I wish.”

After she left the room, Mallory stood for a long time staring out through the high window at the tiny craft, hovering in the blue air fifty feet away, silent, ready.

Then: Ree mind , he sent out the call. Probe the apartments of the woman, Monica. I have reason to suspect she plots treason against the state…