we can throw you
in the guardhouse for being A.W.O.L. Not in view of your recent
decoration."

There was nothing to say to that.

"By the way," the Commodore said, "I haven't had the opportunity to
congratulate you on your Kraden. That was quite a feat, Captain."

"Thank you, sir," Don added, modestly, "rather foolish of me, I
suppose."

"Very much so. On such foolishness are heroic deeds based, Captain." The
Commodore looked at him questioningly. "You must have had incredible
luck. The only way we've been able to figure it was that his detectors
were on the blink. That may be what happened."

"Yes, sir," Don nodded quickly. "That's the way I figure it. And my
first blast must have disrupted his fire control or something."

The Commodore said, "He didn't get in any return fire at all?"

"A few blasts. But by that time I was in too close and moving too fast.
Fact of the matter is, sir, I don't think they ever recovered from my
first beaming of them."

"No, I suppose not," the Commodore said musingly. "It's a shame you had
to burn them so badly. We've never recovered a Kraden ship in good
enough shape to give our techs something to work on. It might make a
basic difference in the war, particularly if there was something aboard
that'd give us some indication of where they were coming from. We've
been fighting this war in our backyard for a full century. It would help
if we could get into _their_ backyard for a change. It's problematical
how long we'll be able to hold them off, at this rate."

Don Mathers said uncomfortably, "Well, it's not as bad as all that, sir.
We've held them this far."

His superior grunted. "We've held them this far because we've been able
to keep out enough patrol ships to give us ample warning when one of
their task forces come in. Do you know how much fuel that consumes,
Captain?"

"Well, I know it's a lot."

"So much so that Earth's industry is switching back to petroleum and
coal. Every ounce of radioactives is needed by the Fleet. Even so, it's
just a matter of time."

Don Mathers pursed his lips. "I didn't know it was that bad."

The Commodore smiled sourly at him. "I'm afraid I'm being a wet blanket
thrown over your big bust of a celebration, Captain. Tell me, how does
it feel to hold the system's highest award?"

* * * * *

Don shook his head, marveling. "Fantastic, sir. Of course, like any
member of the services I've always known of the Me