entists," he pronounced the
"civilian" as though it were a dirty word, "be relieved of their rule
over this weapon, and that the military take its proper place, as the
masters of the situation. I trust each of you has learned his lessons
carefully, because it is now too late for mistakes--although we have
with us assistance far superior to that of the civilians.

"Gentlemen," he said, and his voice took on power as he talked, "it is
a pleasure to re-introduce to you a companion whom you have known as
Lathe Smith.

"This, gentlemen," he said formally, gesturing one of the men forward,
"is the Herr Doktor Heinrich Schmidt, of whom you would have heard
were you familiar with the more erudite of the developments of space
physics.

"Dr. Schmidt," he added, "it is a pleasure to be able to again accord
you the courtesies and respect that are your due.

"Now for myself," he continued, "it may surprise you to know that I,
too, have a somewhat more advanced rank than you have suspected."
Deliberately he unpinned the major's insignia that he wore, and
brought out a sealed packet, opened it, and pinned on four stars.

"Gentlemen," he finished, "may I introduce myself? General Steve
Elbertson, commanding officer of all space forces of the United
Nations Security Forces.

"Now," he said briskly to his astounded men, his voice crackling with
authority, "take stations.

"Dr. Schmidt will key in the number one laser bank only. You will
select as your target area that area through which the passenger
spokes of the wheel pass. These will each in turn be your targets if
it becomes necessary to fire.

"Dr. Schmidt has advised me that, should it become necessary to fire
on the hub, the resultant explosion of the shielding water will wreck
the big wheel.

"If we should miss and hit the rim, the resultant explosion would
inevitably wreck both the big wheel and Project Hot Rod.

"Therefore, gentlemen, I caution the most accurate possible aim.

"And Dr. Schmidt, will you connect the storage power supply you have
readied, please?"

Quickly then, he slid into the communications officer's seat, as the
Security officers assumed each of the four major posts of the project,
while Chauvenseer took up a stance at his general's right hand, ready
to respond as directed.

* * * * *

On the bridge, Captain Nails had been annoyed. Too many queries from
people who really didn't have authority over his satellit