Cramer gaped as he heard his superior start to repeat his story. The General must have believed it!
Ten minutes later Hazelton broke in with a final "Oh, my God!" For a while only his heavy breathing could be heard, then he said, "Chisholm, if there's anything to this it's the worst social catastrophe of the century!"
"I know it. Contact me as soon as you have a sample analyzed. You should be able to manage in six hours or so—this line'll be open at all times from now on. Off."
Chisholm came back to the desk and looked steadily at Cramer. "You sure have me going far out on a prestige limb."
"I never expected anybody to believe me, sir," he replied, all gratitude.
"I still don't but we can't take any chances. I know something has to be going on. You see, Captain Hartley resigned from the service yesterday."
"But he's still under your command for three months, isn't he?"
"No, he's a free agent. He entered a Categorical Resignation. That means he's giving up all benefits accruing to a man of 25 years standing but his resignation is immediately effective."
"You could still arrange for his arrest through the civil channels."
"I doubt whether any continental president would care for that idea, I know I don't. Your former Captain's a very shrewd man, he knew we'd see how helpless we are—I only hope that you're lying through your teeth!"