tted by, the soldiers' camp expanding daily as the
Traitor let the supply ships through the barrier. There are moods in war
just as in people. This was a crucial point, the People's Republic had
gained a slight edge by its gain on Kligor. So the usual pitch of
anticipation was infused with the higher excitement of a sure victory.

The days were slipping furtively away as the Kligor garrison gathered
itself together, crouched and got ready to spring into blind, violent
action on the big day.

The laughter of the soldiers was tinged with nervous hysteria, but when
they thought of that grim array of defense satellites, with its
all-seeing eyes, its electronic brain, its steel guts and large parcel
of hell in its fist, all this United Empire strength protecting them,
their laughter grew louder and more sincere.

* * * * *

Aron thanked providence that Kligor didn't have any moons. This
particular night called for every ebony patch of darkness that he could
find.

He was on a nocturnal visit to the base, not using his flier. He knew
there were guards posted near his station that would notify the camp
when this craft was used. Slipping out the night before and avoiding the
guards, Aron had begun the twenty mile hike to the base.

As he neared the base his precautions increased, his speed decreasing
proportionately. Avoiding the outer ring of guards was easy, as they
were spaced far apart. Moving in undetected, through the tighter nets of
guards around the camp, required the skill and patience of a feline.

That this base should have foot soldiers patrolling the ground around it
seemed absurd on the face of it, especially to the men who had to do it.
The planet was uninhabited and their only worry was from the skies above
where the TA satellites defended them.

The Intelligence officers knew better. They knew how easily one man
could slip through these defences. One man at a time, for several weeks,
and a sizable ground force could be built up in some remote spot on
Kligor. It was a long shot probability, but it was their duty to protect
against such a probability destroying what they had achieved.

There was also a traitor, one of those fluctuating spineless things,
loose on the planet--a clever man who couldn't be trusted by anyone.

This lack of trust was justified as Aron crawled and inched his way
through the last circle of sentries. His whole body was a detecting
device, listenin