o
eliminate a contact who is extremely loyal to me and--I might add--to
good government."

"I understand. But I certainly can't imagine what has happened to Taber.
I would have backed him with my last dime."

"I actually don't think it was Taber's fault. A man can't personally see
to every detail in his department."

"That's the responsibility of whoever is in charge."

Crane sighed. "Yes, I guess that's a cold, hard fact of life in this
time of danger. But don't be too hard on him. Perhaps there's an
explanation."

"He'll have his chance to explain," Porter said grimly.

"I'm sure you understand how it pains me to have to--well, put this
black mark on the record of a good man. I debated many hours and
searched my soul before I came to you. With a man's career at stake--"

"Men are expendable," Porter snapped. "The nation's safety is not."

Again Crane glanced around. "Are the Russians _really_ that far ahead?"

Porter's eyes narrowed just a shade. "The Russians? Did you listen to
the tape you mentioned?"

"Only sketchily. I assumed--"

"The danger is far greater. A Senatorial committee was briefed on the
thing. I honestly think you should have been on that committee,
Senator. By coming to me you've done far more toward protecting the
nation's safety--and that of the world--than have any of your
colleagues."

"Let's just say I had more opportunity."

"Your modesty is becoming."

"And now," Crane said wryly, "now that I've done all I can, I wish I
could forget the whole thing. But with the gravity of the situation--"

"I'll see that you get a complete briefing."

"Thank you. And I promise I'll be most discreet."

A little while later, on the way back to his office, Crane smiled. Now
maybe that self-important little son-of-a-bitch, Taber, would find out
what it meant to insult a United States Senator.

From there, his mind went to another insult. So they'd passed him up in
forming the committee to hear about the damned androids, had they? Well,
by God, he'd show them the people of his state wouldn't tolerate that,
either.

The people back home were going to hear about their Senator.

It probably wouldn't even be necessary to campaign next year.

7

"If you've changed your mind about anything--about us, maybe--just say
so. I'll understand." Frank Corson felt he had to make this point--at
this particular time. There was something inevitable in the need to do
so.

"You're being ridiculo