t mine. I wouldn't say anything
against General Shorter, no, sir. He's a soldier. I mean, you know ...
he's a soldier."

After the corporal was dismissed, Mr. Tucker said, "Well, gentlemen, I
guess we've about wrapped it up here. I think this is enough. Anybody's
mind changed? I don't think we need any more, do you?"

Mr. Wallace sighed heavily. He looked down at his hands.

* * * * *

General Shorter was still at his writing desk when he was notified that
Mr. Tucker would like to see him first thing in the morning.

"Another day of it, eh?" the general asked the sergeant who brought the
message.

"No, sir. From the other crew, I hear they're planning to leave
tomorrow."

The general's face relaxed. His smile reflected weary tolerance. "Had
enough in one day, have they? It's about time they let us get back to
work."

After the sergeant left, the general wrote a final paragraph:

"I've just been informed the 'investigation' is completed. In record
time, it seems. They finished up in the mess tonight, talking to some of
the men. So what did it all really accomplish? They took a long ship
that could better have been used somewhere else. Half my men are down
with the virus. They almost cost me my schedule. And to what end? Just
another piece of paper somewhere. Put Miracastle on the scale against
some nice, heavy report and see which way the scale tips."

The general closed the diary. It was late now. He was very tired.

* * * * *

Mr. Tucker, after breakfast, knocked on the general's door.

"Come in," General Shorter called.

The civilian entered. The general dismissed the orderly with a nod. "And
I'll need some clean towels for tonight," he called. His voice was
hoarse.

"Yes, sir."

The door closed. The two of them were alone.

"Sit down. Excuse the cold. Got it last night. What do you say to a
brandy?"

"Don't let me stop you."

"I never drink alone."

"Perhaps you'd better," Mr. Tucker said.

The general had paused just short of the cupboard. He turned slowly. "In
that case, I'll make an exception, this once." He poured. "Just what did
you mean by that, sir? Let's get to the point."

"General Shorter, we're going to have to ask you to come back with us."

The general bent slightly forward. His lips were partly open, as though
he were listening to hear a second time.

"Why," he said, "I've too much work to do, sir. I'm afraid t