geared so unshakably toward the
realization of a single goal---riding the tide of patriotic fervor,
with the whole of the Commonwealth behind him, into a grand and
decisive campaign against galactic communism---that Stone's rejection
had hit him like a physical blow. Why had his destiny been denied him?
OR WAS IT A TRIAL OF FAITH?

And one more thing troubled him. He was still sane and noble enough
(after a fashion) to see that it would indeed be wrong to usurp the
duly-elected President, fool that he was, and try to seize power by a
military coup. This, however, did not keep him from disregarding his
current orders, which were clearly and dangerously wrong. Having been
stripped of its pet fantasy, his mind now seized upon another.

HE WOULD DO IT ALL HIMSELF. With only the resources and undying
loyalty of the Third Fleet, he would defeat Soviet Space alone, against
orders---the greatest military feat of all time. Each disposition
would have to be perfect, each soldier's skill and determination honed
to a cutting edge of steel. AGAINST ALL ODDS! Or, at the very least,
he would draw the Soviets into a full-scale war. . .and give his
reluctant president no choice..... He got up and began to pace
eagerly, shaking off age and fatigue.

YES, THAT'S IT. OF COURSE! HE THINKS HE'S MADE A CLEVER MOVE, CHEATED
ME. WE'LL SEE HOW LONG THE SOVIETS REMAIN NEUTRAL WHEN I DEVASTATE THE
COALITION FORCES, AND KNOCK OUT THE EAST GERMAN HOME PLANET. "MORE
DEPENDS ON IT THAN YOUR EGO OR MINE," HE SAID TO ME. "TO VIEW THE
MATTER HARSHLY. . .TREASON!" HE'LL 'CALL MY BLUFF', WILL HE? MY
'OBSESSION' WITH COMMUNISM. Hayes smashed a fist into his open hand.
"RELINQUISH ALL MILITARY TITLES." "MAVERICK!." SO HELP ME GOD; IF
THIS ACTION ISN'T ENOUGH TO CHANGE HIS MIND, I'LL DO IT. I'LL COME
AFTER HIM! FOOL. BLIND FOOL.

At length he ceased his pacing and grew calmer. The meeting with
General Staff was approaching, and he must decide what course to take
with them:

The meeting would be held. He would address the sub-commanders as
scheduled, as the mighty ship headed out toward the entrance of the
star gate. Nothing had changed. Stone's actions had been a small
annoyance, nothing more. He switched on the dictation machine, and
began speaking rapidly and decisively.

* * *

Lt. Eric Muller had been in e-light warp for almost fifteen hours,
barely outraced by the l