"I think," said Reuben measuredly, "it's magnificent—the salvation of Denv. I'll back you to my dying breath if you'll let me."
May smiled tiredly and leaned back in the chair as Reuben tip-toed out.
What luck, Reuben thought—what unbelievable luck to be at a fulcrum of history like this!
He searched the level for Rudolph's apartment and gained admission.
To the general, he said: "Sir, I have to report that your friend May is insane. He has just been raving to me, advocating the destruction of civilization as we know it, and urging me to follow in his footsteps. I pretended to agree—since I can be of greater service to you if I'm in May's confidence."
"So?" said Rudolph thoughtfully. "Tell me about the double. How did that go wrong?"
"The bunglers were Selene and Almon. Selene because she alarmed me instead of distracting me. Almon because he failed to recognize her incompetence."
"They shall be brainburned. That leaves an eighty-ninth-level vacancy in my organization, doesn't it?"
"You're very kind, sir, but I think I should remain a May's man—outwardly. If I earn any rewards, I can wait for them. I presume that May will be elected to wear the five stars. He won't live more than two years after that, at the rate he is taking drugs."