The large main screen of the battle room came to life. And there in the midst of it, his face animated with tension, confidence and self-satisfaction, stood, in military uniform, General Charles William Hayes, Secretary of State for the United Commonwealth. His fear submerged beneath a desperate, fey indifference, Dubcek turned to Masaryk with a rueful expression. "This just keeps getting better..... Yes, Mr. Hayes. What are your terms?" "I want the immediate surrender of all your forces, and a complete shut-down of planetary defense systems. In return I'll see that your people, both military and civilian, are treated fairly and with respect." "Oh, I have no doubt of that. Unfortunately, I do not have the authority to negotiate such a complete capitulation. I have contacted both our President and the Assembly (a necessary lie), and also the Coalition military representative. You will have an answer soon enough. One question, though, if I may ask it." "What is it?" "How do you plan to run the occupational government?" He looked at Brunner as he said these words, turned back to Hayes. "Who will be in charge?" "The Belgians and Swiss." "While you carry the crusade elsewhere?" Hayes' voice was blunt, brutal. "You have five minutes." "That should be sufficient. Thank you, Mr. Secretary." His face left the screen, and Dubcek immediately went to work. "Brunner, Wessenberg, Kinsky and Schmidt, get to the evacuation ships. Gunnery and engineering high-officers to remain at their posts; everyone else off. First battleship and remaining cruiser to provide cover for their retreat, then get out themselves---link up with the reinforcements as soon as possible and put themselves under the command of General Itjes. Go on. Move!" Masaryk relayed the orders with grim satisfaction. His commander was going to fight. As the others filed past him with blank, scared faces, Brunner remained at his station. Dubcek looked over at him. "Get out, fool!" But still he did not move. The aging commander strode quickly over to him. "There is no time for this. If you want to be brave then hold on to your commission and fight them again." "I don't want to leave---" The voice of the communications officer broke him off. "General Itjes, sir. I've also contacted the colonies: all data being relayed." "Good," said Dubcek. "Put him on and get below." He held out his hand to Brunner. "Goodbye, Olaf. Go. Now!" His lieutenant turned and left the room. Four officers remained in the chamber. "Anyone else who wishes to go, it must be now." None stirred. "Very well." He nodded, turned to Masaryk, then remembered General Itjes. The chief scientist had moved to the communications board. He put him on the screen. The lined and wizened face of the German General stood before him. "Yes, Ivan. I understand you're in trouble. Can you hold him off long enough for us to get around his flank?"