"What shall we do, sir?" "Between you and me, Sergeant--" Captain Simmons' voice interrupted itself. "Never mind that now. Here comes the Defense Secretary." "Foghorn Frank?" Don asked. "Sh." Frank Fogarty had earned his nickname in his younger years when he commanded a tugboat in New York Harbor. That was before his quick rise in the shipbuilding industry where he got the reputation as a wartime expediter that led to his cabinet appointment. "Is this the gadget?" Don heard Fogarty say. "Yes, sir." "Okay. Sergeant Cort?" Fogarty boomed. "Can you hear me?" It was no wonder they called him Foghorn. "Yes, sir," Don said, wincing. "Fine. You've been doing a topnotch job. Don't think I don't know what's been going on. I've heard the tapes. Now, son, are you ready for a little action? We're going to stir them up at State." "Yes, sir," Don said again. "Good. Then stand up. No, better not if Superior is still gyrating. Just raise your right hand and I'll give you a field promotion to major. Temporary, of course. I can do that, can't I, General?" Apparently the Chief of Staff was there, and agreed. "Right," Fogarty said. "Now, Sergeant, repeat after me...." Don, too overwhelmed to say anything else, repeated after him. "Now then, Major Cort, we're going to present the State Department with what they would call a _fait accompli_. You are now Military Governor of Superior, son, with all the power of the U.S. Defense Establishment behind you. A C-97 troop carrier plane is loading. I'll give you the ETA as soon as I know it. A hundred paratroopers. Arrange to meet them at the golf course, near the blimp. And if Senator Thebold tries to interfere--well, handle him tactfully. But I think he'll go along. He's got his headlines and by now he should have been able to find his missing lady friend. Help him in that personal matter if you can. As for Hector Civek and Osbert Garet, be firm. I don't think they'll give you any trouble." "But, sir," Don said. "Aren't you underestimating the Gizls? If they see paratroops landing they're liable to get unfriendly fast. May I make a suggestion?" "Shoot, son." "Well, sir, I think I'd better go try to have a talk with them and see if we can't work something out without a show of force. If you could hold off the troops till I ask for them...." Foghorn Frank said, "Want to make a deal, eh? If you can do it, fine, but since State isn't willing to admit that there's such a thing as an intelligent kangaroo, alien or otherwise, any little deals you can make with them will have to be unofficial for the time being. All right--I'll hold off on the paratroopers. The important thing is to safeguard the civilian population and uphold the integrity of the United States. You have practically unlimited authority." "Thank you, Mr. Secretary. I'll do my best." "Good luck. I'll be listening." * * * * *