It was midnight here. Ten, Central time. The rocket would blast at eight ack emma Central, _latest_--seven, more likely--from wherever they were shooting from. If the idiot congressman called back but _fast_, and if it was St. Thom, he could make it. Andes was probably impossible even now. _Dollars Dome--Sunday, October 16, 4:35_ P.M. (_C.S.T._) Thad Bourgnese pursed his lips in a silent whistle, and passed the news wire across the desk to Kutler. “Here we go again,” he said. Phil glanced down the sheet rapidly. “Could be,” he said. “But I wouldn’t put any money on _where_ we go. Or he goes. Or--” “She goes? Obviously, friend: whither he goes. I mean, you’re the doctor; you’ve noticed, I’m sure?” “Only thing I’m not sure of,” Phil laughed, “is what you mean. Was it the belly or the heart I was supposed to diagnose? On second thought, that’s not the only thing I’m not sure of. It’s practically lost in the multitude.” “All right. Here’s another one for you. How in the name of all that’s holy did he get on that ship? Last time I heard Chris on the subject, J. Wendt wasn’t going to hit Moondirt again till death did them.” “One of the many uncertainties I mentioned,” Phil said noncommitally. “You never know. A lot can happen in a week Earthside. Or maybe Chris was willing to take the risk if he was on the same trip....” “The _trip_ wasn’t the problem. They could keep him under, like last time. I dunno--the old man’s gettin’ soft, maybe--” He broke off. “Hi, gorgeous,” he said, as Lisa pushed the door open. “What brings you back from the Great Unknown so early and all of a glow?” She gave him a smile-in-passing, but her question was for Phil. “Is he coming _with Chris_?” “Dunno, honey. They’re both coming. Hard to say whose idea it was or who’s talking to whom.” Thad was right about that _all-of-a-glow_ bit. _Pregnant women get that way_, he told himself, and now with Johnny coming.... “Hold on, beautiful. Didn’t anybody ever tell you it’s bad manners to listen through keyholes? If we had a keyhole, I mean.” “But I _wasn’t_--” “They’re still running radiowire service, chum,” Phil stepped in. “Or were, last I heard.” Odd, now it came time to accept the idea, admit it, quit nibbling around the edges, how easy it was. Damn sight easier than querying and wondering about things that just didn’t _fit_, any other way. “Glad you stopped by, kid,” he said to Lee. “We’ve got to get moving with the new program. Never catch you any more when you’re not working or sleeping or out visiting your buggy buddies.” “All right. But did you get the news report yet?” He nodded. “May I--?” He passed it over. She looked it through quickly and handed it back.