Another cheer forced its way into the room. Suddenly Allen burst out. "Tell me, Colonel. How's Tomer these days. You remember, that little guy who quit on you just before the training ended." The words had the effect the big man had hoped for. Boeman came out of the chair. His face was a vivid white. "You ..." he began. The Secretary moved quickly. He was between the two men before Wade could continue. "That's all for now Captain Ackerson," he said, "or should I say Mister Ackerson. Your papers have been processed as you wished. You're a civilian, after sixty days terminal leave, of course." Ackerson watched the play of emotions on Wade's face. He was enjoying every second of it. Wade wanted to smash that smug face all over the floor. Yet he was powerless. Ackerson was still an officer and there was too much left undone to risk everything now. He sat back down on the chair. There would be time when the blond man was a civilian. "Thank you, sir." Allen grinned. The Secretary extended his hand. "Congratulations again for a job well done." They shook hands. "Don't forget, Ackerson," Boeman said as Allen hurried to the door. "The next week is mine. Solid interrogation. You're still in the service." "_Yes, Sir._" "And one more thing, Ackerson. I know your communication was working. Why didn't you answer our calls?" "I thought that would make you sweat a little. I can see that it did." The door slammed shut. * * * * * Neither man spoke when the door closed behind Ackerson. The silence was long. Finally it was Boeman who moved. He opened the top left drawer of the desk and withdrew a small glass and a bottle. He poured a drink and offered it to the Secretary with a glance of his eyes. The Secretary shook his head. Boeman lifted the tumbler to his lips and poured the liquid down with a quick motion. He made a face as it burned. He poured another, toyed with it before he tossed it down. "Well, he made it." Boeman said finally, placing the empty glass on the desk. "To the Moon and back--non stop." "You knew he would, didn't you." Boeman nodded, staring at the glass. There was another awkward silence as both men were wrapped in thought. "Disappointed, Wade?" "Not disappointed. Disgusted." "He gave us what we wanted. The appropriations will be easy now." "I know." "Then what's wrong? Certainly you can't blame Ackerson fully. He doesn't know the entire story." "Perhaps that's what's wrong. If I could just tell the full story I might feel better." "Impossible. Can you imagine the entire nation carrying a load on its back the way you are now?" Wade laughed bitterly. "It might wake them up." "I understand, Wade. My insides feel it too. But let him be the hero." "He will be," Wade said, reaching for the bottle again. "He will be." "Then let him. We have more important things to think about now." The Secretary got up. Wade grasped the empty tumbler in the palm of his hand, squeezing tightly.