erefore
Itjes', posthumous influence. And partly because they knew of his
desperate search for his wife, and did not undervalue such a motive.

But if any were concerned about his qualifications and competence, his
ability to handle his personal torment, they need not have worried.
For what he lacked in experience, he more than made up for in latent
determination, and at times, utter fearlessness. Death held literally
no meaning for him. And in aggressive, retaliatory war, this could be
a powerful weapon.

* * *

Hayes tapped the aluminum canister angrily against the counter-shelf of
his quarters, watching the enclosed microvideo play back in its
entirety the assassinated Stone's July address to Congress, concluded
by then Vice-President Plant. Next came footage, along with the New
York Press commentary, of the Presidential funeral, and the later trial
of Admiral Hesse. This was followed in turn by Plant's exigent
inauguration, and lastly, by Bacon being sworn in as the new Secretary
of State, vowing to check the spread of anarchy and military
adventurism, and bring the traitor Hayes to justice. Calder stood like
a rueful statue just inside the doorway.

"Idiot!" screamed Hayes when all was over. Calder closed his eyes,
crumpled in shame, but the exhortation had not been directed against
him alone. "Now he's left me no choice." He got up and waved a
threatening finger at the other. "No choice!"

It was not clear whom this 'he' might represent, since Stone was dead
and buried, and Plant and Bacon two separate beings. Perhaps it was
merely meant in the military sense---the pronoun replacing, both
verbally and psychologically, that mass of humanity opposed to one's
aims, who therefore must be killed. The enemy, which in Hayes' mind
continued to multiply all around him.

At length he became calmer. "You're sure there were only two of these
planted at Westmoreland? No mistakes this time." His lackey began to
answer, but he interrupted him. "Nevermind. We can't take that for
granted."

Almost tearfully. "What. . .what will we do now?"

"NOW?" What I should have done a long time ago. I'm not out of aces
yet! No sir, not by a damn sight! Pull yourself together, and report
back to me at 0450."

The 'ace' that Hayes referred to was simply this, hitherto, and to the
sane mind still, unthinkable. He would construct a star gate straight
to Eart