o were
torturing me, and was killed by the bees."

The emperor looked at the young man quizzically, and a knowing smile
erased much of the tension from his face. "I've heard about that
incident. Wasn't it rather peculiar you were not harmed by any of those
ferocious bees?"

Hanlon's face was as bland as he could make it. "Not necessarily, Sire.
I was sitting still, manacled, you remember. They were moving around and
fighting the insects."

The emperor winked, and Hanlon probed into his mind, receiving the
distinct impression of friendliness, while the surface thoughts were
saying, "I won't pry, but I'd give a lot to know what really did
happen--and how."

"The Corps thanks Your Majesty," Admiral Hawarden rose to leave, and
Newton and Hanlon did likewise. "We'll keep you closely informed of
things as they break," and the three backed from the study, bowing.

Chapter 24

Grand Fleet had been rapidly assembling in the region near Simonides,
just outside visual range, and away from the passenger and freight
lanes. Mobilization was now complete.

Admiral Newton and Senior Lieutenant Hanlon had been invited to ride the
Sirius, High Admiral Ferguson's flagship, and were glad to avail
themselves of that privilege. They wore uniforms conforming to their
rank, but were disguised so that any chance acquaintances could not
recognize them, although there were no other Terrans aboard.

Orders were given, and in strict formation the fleet blasted for Algon.
First went the great screen of scouts, fanning out in all directions
from a common center, the outer fringes at higher speed until a great
bowl-like formation was secured. Then all the scouts standardized their
speed. When they reached Algon they would completely englobe the planet
just beyond detection range.

Next came the light cruisers, in the same formation, but when they
englobed at Algon they would go inside the globe of scouts, nearer the
planet's surface. Then the heavy cruisers and battleships would descend
in three mass formations, one directly over each of the three known
shipyards.

"If any of the ships being built there are in shape to attack--if they
have weapons installed and crews to use them," High Admiral Ferguson's
orders had been very explicit, "you'll have to burn them down. Otherwise
we want those ships untouched."

George Hanlon was thrilled with the excitement of what was coming, yet
knew a touch of fear. He had never been under fire,