"Can I tell him that?" "Tell him anything you want," Crag snapped. He debated taking the crew with him but finally decided against it. They couldn't afford the time. Reluctantly he put the work party in Larkwell's charge and started back across the bowl of the crater, each step a deliberate weighted effort. So much to do. So little time. He trudged through the night, cursing the fate that had made him Gotch's pawn. Gotch was crisp and to the point. "Another rocket was launched from east of the Caspian this morning," he told him. "Jesus, we need a company of Marines." "Not this time, Adam." "Oh ..." Crag muttered the word. "That's right ... a warhead," Gotch confirmed. Crag kicked the information around in his mind for a moment. "What do the computers say?" "Too early to say for sure, but it looks like it's on the right track." "Unless it's a direct hit it's no go. We got ten thousand foot walls rimming this hell-hole." The Colonel was silent for a moment. "It's not quite that pat," he said finally. "Why not?" "Because of the low gravity. Thousands of tons of rock will be lifted. Some will escape but the majority will fall back like rain. They'll smash down over a tremendously large area, Adam. At least that's what the scientists tell us." "Okay, in four days we'll be underground," he said with exaggerated cheerfulness, "as safe as bunnies in their burrows." "Can you make it that fast?" "We'll have to. That means well have to use Prochaska. That'll keep you off the lines except for the regular broadcast hour," he said with satisfaction. Gotch snorted: "Go to hell." "Been on the verge of it ever since we left earth." "One other thing," Gotch said. "Baby's almost ready to try its wings." The atomic spaceship! Crag suppressed his excitement with difficulty. He held down his voice. "About time," he said laconically. "Don't give me that blasé crap," the Colonel said cheerfully. "I know exactly how you feel." He informed him that the enemy was proclaiming to the world they had established a colony on the moon, and had formally requested the United Nations to recognize their sovereignty over the lunar world. "How's that for a stack of hogwash?" he ended. "Pretty good," Crag agreed. "What are we claiming?" "The same thing. Only we happen to be telling the truth." "How will the U.N. know that?" "We'll cross that bridge when we get to it, Adam. Just keep alive and let us worry about the U.N." "I'm not going to commit suicide if that's what you're thinking." "You can--if you don't keep on your toes." "Meaning...?" "The saboteur...." His voice fell off for a moment. "I've been wanting to talk with you about that, Adam. We have a lead. I can't name the man yet because it's pretty thin evidence. Just keep on your toes." "I am. I'm a grown boy, remember?" "More than usual," Gotch persisted. "The enemy is making an all-out drive to destroy Pickering Base. You can be sure the saboteur will do his share. The stage is set, Adam."