r would this forced reasoning break through?

"We regret the necessity for this order, and that we have not been able
to be more forthcoming until now. But quite obviously, matters of the
gravest national security are involved. We must deal with former
Secretary Hayes at once, then turn our attention to Moscow. We will
continue to seek a peaceful means of ending both disputes. But let no
one doubt our resolve.

"May God be with us in this just endeavor. Thank you."

Plant left the chamber, to the same, deafening silence.

IX

On the morning of the day after, Stone, Plant and Bacon sat at a curved
table facing a viewscreen connected by direct phone-link to the
Kremlin. For their own part they sent a visual projection. After
exchanging terse formalities, Denisov did the same. His square face
with its black hair and thick eyebrows appeared, the dark clear eyes
beneath, scrutinizing each face carefully. On one side of him sat the
Chairman of the Presidium, on the other, the Minister of Defense.
Denisov did not wait to be asked.

"A pretty speech, to be sure, and an eloquent letter to our ambassador
in Washington. It is too bad that General Hayes will never hear of it.
He might have made an even prettier speech in return."

"And why shouldn't he hear of it?" asked Stone, unwisely. "The
broadcast and letter of dismissal have been relayed to him."

"Mr. President. You have your Star Gate, for now, but it seems that
your communications networks are grossly inferior to our own. Or
perhaps your intelligence services have wavered in their loyalties, and
are no longer reliable. The Third Fleet has not been at its last
stated position for days." At this Stone shot a quick glance at Plant,
who remained impassive. "Your bird has flown the cage. Can you
promise me it will not land again to our detriment?"

The President scowled and would have switched off the visual, but Plant
put a hand to his wrist. His manner was calm and unruffled.

"Premier Denisov. You are known as a man of many facets, and once
again you hide your true intentions. That Hayes has gone is neither
surprising, nor wholly unexpected. But you play a dangerous game when
you speak of military capabilities, and imagined weaknesses. I cannot
believe that you really want a full-scale confrontation. You know as
well as I do, such a war would be disastrous to us both."

Now it was Denisov who scowled, and began to speak roughly.