old straightened and moved forward. The general
replaced him and dropped his safety line in place with practiced
efficiency.

Captain Arnold, surrounded by dust devils, became a distant, indistinct
bulk. His motions were ponderous. The general could no longer see his
face or his expression.

"I do not entirely understand this, David," the general said
conversationally. "The investigation. I thought I had powerful friends
in the Corps. Though a man makes enemies." The general lurched awkwardly
over the broken surface of Miracastle, drawing the safety line taut. He
moved toward the connection rail again. "A general is separated from
much of his command. Some of the technical refinements are too
involved--and, of course, men hide their feelings." Once again he
struggled with the wind, turning slowly at the end of the safety line:
held from the devouring anger of the planet only by the slender
umbilical cord from the stars. "General Grisley, now. I think he's
sixteen star, in headquarters. He was a politician. He came up fast. In
fact, he was my adjutant a few years ago. He was always a man to hold a
grudge."

Captain Arnold made no reply.

"You know how politics is in the Corps."

Dome Nine rose from the swirling mist before them. The wind seemed to
increase in fury. And still, inside the suits, there was the sound only
of labored breathing and the general's voice.

"These natives," the general said. "They were very primitive, David."
Neither could see the other's face. "I can't think of them as
intelligent at all. I feel they were very low on the evolutionary
ladder. I wouldn't call it a city, as I've heard it called. Natural
formation, more likely. Nature plays strange tricks."

* * * * *

They were at the lock of Dome Nine.

Inside, the general removed his helmet. "David," he said, "I've been
meaning to talk to you for some time now. You've got a good career in
front of you in the Corps. You're going to move up. With a few breaks,
right to the top. I'm just now writing up my evaluation for your files.
I plan to give you a very fine recommendation, Captain. Normally, I
don't talk about this sort of thing, but I thought you might like to
know."

"Thank you, sir," Captain Arnold said uneasily, opening his surface
suit.

"Well, let's inspect the area, Captain."

The inspection was perfunctory. As he always did, the general paused at
the pile monitor and watched, in the Dante s