They paced down the catwalk, entered the lock, and a moment later stood before the Post Major. Simms saluted and began a graphic description of all that had occurred.
"Post One needs help sir," he concluded. "There were twelve cases of Mold Fever when I left, and the impentration walls are badly in need of repair. The Kamalis are on the verge of an intertribal war."
The Major looked the prisoner over and nodded. All the defiance was gone from Halleck now. He stood there, lips twisted in a sullen snarl, eyes mirroring defeat.
"The I.P. men have been after this rat for a long time," the Major said. "And now, Lieutenant, I'll have your official report."
Silently Simms handed the message cylinder across the desk.
The Major opened the cylinder and glanced at the scroll inside. A moment passed in silence as he read the message.
"Lieutenant," he said at length, looking up, "how long have you been at Post One?"
"Six weeks, sir."
The Major opened a humidor and took out a Martian cheroot. "It so happens your Commandante is a very shrewd person. Lieutenant, take a look at this letter."
Slowly Simms picked up the scroll and read: