“Nothing,” said the colonel. “You know,” he continued conversationally, “a long time ago I walked into my C.O.’s office and made the same demands and the same threats that you’re making now. I didn’t get very far, though—just as you aren’t going to—because I overlooked the little matter of the Inspector General’s annual visit. He’s due in from Imperial Headquarters Saturday night, isn’t he, Blick?”
“You know he is!” growled the other.
“Aren’t worried, are you? It occurs to me that the I.G. might take a dim view of your new order.”
“I don’t think he’ll mind,” said Blick with a nasty grin. “Now will you issue the order to close the Tech Schools or won’t you?”
“Of course not!” said the colonel brusquely.
“That’s final?”
Colonel Harris just nodded.
“All right,” barked Blick, “you asked for it!”
There was an ugly look on his face as he barked, “Kane! Simmons! Arnett! The rest of you! Get in here!”
The door to Harris’ office swung slowly open and revealed a group of officers standing sheepishly in the anteroom.