up into the bubble for a moment, shall we?
Gentlemen, keep us posted."

Entering the 'bubble' through the elevator, a small, Officers' Security
Chamber at the top of the uppermost bridge, the Secretary turned to
Frank, and unexpectedly put his arm around his smaller compatriot's
shoulder. Though incapable of self-reproach, he knew he had been a bit
hard on this man, whose loyalty he could ill afford to lose.

Confused at this sudden gesture, Frank tried to clarify his position
with words. "I'm sorry, General. Not going into full Intercept was a
stupid oversight. I'd just not had experience with this type of craft."

"No, Donald, that's all right. It's a sign of desperation on their
part, turning to guerilla warfare so soon." He motioned the Admiral to
a chair, remained standing himself. "It may even be to our advantage
in the long run. Sometimes there's nothing better for a cocky fighter
than to take a solid right to the jaw---let's him know he's in a real
fight. Coffee?" Frank shook his head, and Hayes continued his oration.

"The upcoming battle isn't going to be as easy as the last one, though
this time we'll be more experienced. Obviously word has leaked out
that we plan to go after the D.G. Provinces. They can't know where we
plan to hit them, of course (the last three digits of the attack
coordinates were only now being relayed to the engineers at the Gate),
but we could still run across the greater part of the Coalition forces
before we're through. And who knows? It might not end there."

"What do you mean?" Frank's look was puzzled.

"I mean that Congress and the liberal press are giving Stone a tougher
time on this than I first let on. He's got the authority and resources
to supply the Third Fleet, but when the House will come around with
full appropriations is another question."

"But surely after this attack the Soviets will intervene? Why. . .we
can't take on Soviet Space with just the Third Fleet." For a moment
Hayes stopped his pacing, and unconsciously ground his teeth. He did
this with his back to the admiral, but realized that it might still
look odd. He continued.

"All the same, I want to hold back as many of our ships as possible,
keep losses to a minimum. And that means the launch-pilots, and our
own gunners, are going to have to fight like hell."

Frank was silent. Hayes took a deep breath and half sighed. "Well,
maybe we'll get reinforcements sooner. One battle at