"From the Admiral, sir," the voice in the interphone said, "Shall I read it?"
"Just give me the dope," ordered Strike.
"The Admiral orders us to quote make a diversionary attack on the planet of 40 Eridani C II unquote," said the squawk-box flatly.
"Acknowledge," ordered Strykalski.
"Wilco. Communications out."
Strike made an I-told-you-so gesture to his Executive. Then he turned toward the enlisted man at the helm. "Quarter-master?"
The man looked up from his auto-pilot check. "Sir."
"Steady as she goes."
"Yes, sir."
"And that," shrugged Ivy Hendricks, "Is that."