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"That's right. You're right, Moyshe, It was exactly like the ships in the tape."
"Tell me about it," Beckhart said.
"There isn't much to tell," McCle
Beckhart became thoughtful. "That isn't all, Thomas. There's always more. You just don't know it. Is there a co
Beckhart was talking to himself, not his audience, McCle
"Thomas, I want you and Amy to talk to Doctor Chancellor's people. They came off the Lunar digs. There might be an angle."
"They should get together with Amy's friend, Consuela el-Sanga. She's more knowledgeable than we are."
"Fine. Fine. We'll arrange that. Meantime, get your brains boiling. Open them up to unexpected possibilities... Tell you what. We'll have another little get-together after di
McCle
"Worse than you've seen."
Beckhart used the evening session to present the report from the Ulantonid deep probe. Afterward, he asked, "Any speculations, people?"
The science people were guarded. They wanted more data. McCle
"Yes. And it asked for more data too. I think it has a human bias built in. It wouldn't accept the numbers. It suggested that Commander Russell be replaced by somebody less inclined to exaggerate."
"Looks to me like there's enough data to draw some first approximation inferences. Like, the Globular and war fleets represent an effort to destroy any present and potential sentience. It looks like an effort to eliminate competition and remodel the galaxy for the comfort of one race."
A scientist protested, "You can't draw those inferences. They're anthropocentric. It could just as well be a religious crusade."
"What?" Mouse snarled. "Don't be ridiculous."
"Easy, Mouse," Beckhart said, "No idea is too bizarre right now. The truth is going to be something off the wall. Brainstorm, people. Come up with as many ideas as possible, then wi
The scientists were becoming restive. Beckhart continued, "One unpalatable fact that jumps right out is that they're going to try to destroy us. Add to that their incredible numbers. Add to that the fact that the Globular is forty thousand years away. People, I think we've found us a war that will last forever."
McCle
The other side had been involved for the gods only knew how long already. Millions of years?
The oddities of the alien base on the moon's dark side, the abandoned ships in Three Sky, and Stars' End itself, seemed a little less strange when seen in that light. Presuming the mysterious builders had been enemies of the centerward race, their works might constitute a counter-operation of equally cosmic scale. He tried to tote up a picture based on known factors. It did not scan. There were too many questions. What was the role of the Sangaree? What had become of the builders?
Mouse leaned his way. "This is a little much for me, Tommy. I'm just a simple-minded soldier."
McCle
Mouse was out of sorts. He had come off The Broken Wings moody and uncommunicative. The definitive proof was that the science team boasted several attractive women. None had yet been honored by the swoop of the eagle. Amy had mentioned it in one of her friendlier moments. McCle
"You going to be in the mood for a game after this?" McCle
"I don't think so. What's going on?" A petty officer was whispering to the Admiral.
Beckhart a
"What will they do?" McCle
"We don't know. Let's hope they give it a good think. I left Strehltsweiter with a message for her bosses. Maybe Homeworld will make them listen."
"What kind of message?" Mouse demanded.
"I told them to change their ways. I said I'm not interested in wiping them out, but I will if they don't shape up. I told them I could repeat the lesson at Osiris if they insist. I let her think we know where Osiris is, too."
"Do you?" Thomas asked.
"No. I lie a lot."
For the next week McCle
Marathon dropped hyper off Three Sky. Signals from von Drachau's Lepanto indicated that she and her escort had penetrated the Yards. There had been a few skirmishes, but nothing serious. The Starfishers were talking, but stalling.
The Admiral observed, "Gruber is trying to fox us. He's sitting tight at Stars' End. Know what he's doing? Betting to an inside straight. He's thinking, if he can pull some of those weapons out quick enough, he can turn the tables on us."
Beckhart thereupon demonstrated his proconsular power. He contacted the Seiner leadership, told them the time. He designated it as launch minus twenty-five hours. He ordered the cha
At launch minus two hours twelve minutes the Seiners of Three Sky surrendered unconditionally. Fleet Marines began occupying key installations immediately.
Beckhart summoned McCle
"Yes sir. Sir, I just came through Communications. The Sangaree raidfleet is still headed for Homeworld."
"Good. We'll be able to release a few squadrons, then." His eyes went glassy. "The big strike is getting closer. The Blues have picked their spot. We're waiting till the other side walks into it. Find your lady."
Amy was easily found. She would not leave her cabin unless dragged. He knocked. "It's McCle
She seldom talked to him unless under pretext of business.
"What does he want?"
"We're spacing for Stars' End. You want to stay here, or go along?"
"They gave up?"
"They didn't have much choice."
She sighed. "Moyshe, I try hard to understand what's happening. But I can't. Do you think he'll keep his word?"
"I don't know. I really don't. We'll find out the hard way. He'll leave people here to establish the new order. I wish I could find out what their instructions are. What are you going to do? You have to decide quick. We're ready to leave."
"I'm going to Stars' End. Consuela is out there. They made her head of the whole team."
"Well, good for her." He did not depart immediately. She refused the opportunity he offered.