"Fine. You talked more than a ventriloquist with a two-tongued dummy.... Then you turn up on Pluto, just when things are getting hot." "After three years of hiding in third-grade ratholes for fear of the law." There was no bitterness in Nolan's voice. Just a calm statement of an unpleasant fact. Petersen's voice was level, too, but his eyes were alert as he watched Nolan. "That couldn't be helped, Steve. You know what was at stake." Abruptly the grin returned. "The whole damned System, that's all," Nolan said a little proudly. "Well ... go ahead with your story." Petersen shrugged. He looked a little relieved as he spoke. "You know most of it. Oh--one part you don't know. Woller's daughter--her name's Ailse--knew about what he was doing. She just found out about it. We had a maid working in her home in Aylette--she didn't generally stay with Woller; they didn't get along." Nolan's brows lifted. "Oh?" "Yep. Ailse was worried silly. She even talked to the maid--not much, just enough that we could figure out what was happening. It seemed she was going to confront Woller with what she knew, try to talk him out of treason." "A real good idea," Nolan remarked. "Knowing Woller--" "That's how we knew where this base was. She told the maid. Oh, you do know where you are, don't you? On Pluto. The wildest section there is, north of Annihilation Range." "How about this cockeyed disguise of yours? Who is this Chief you were supposed to be?" * * * * * Petersen frowned. "Don't know, exactly," he admitted. "There are three men it could be--they're all connected with the Junta, we're pretty sure. They're all on Saturn, and we got word that they were rendezvousing here. We knew the boss kept his identity hidden by wearing this get-up, so I was detailed to cut in." Nolan nodded. Then, his thoughts reverting, he said. "Where's the--where's Ailse now?" Petersen looked unhappy. "Uh--I don't know. After you left we sent for her, just to see what she knew that might help. The maid went after her--and couldn't find her. She'd gone out of town, wasn't expected back for some time. We couldn't wait. All the leaders of the Junta meeting here--it was too big a chance." Nolan said, "Well, what are we doing about it? They're all there, and they're warned. And we're out here, parked on the edge of nowhere, waiting for them to get up a scout party and grab us." Petersen turned to look out the window in the direction of the dome. He scanned the skies carefully, then pursed his lips. "Well, no, Steve," he said, pointing. "Take a look." Arrowing lines of fire were swooping down from far into the blackness. Three trails of white flame showed where three ships were plummeting to the surface. Nolan turned to Petersen with a startled question in his eyes. "Watch," Petersen advised. "This'll be worth seeing!"