"Good," said Kirk. He looked at the Orionids. "Where can we put 'em for safekeeping?"
Vinson said, "The local jail is pretty small, but I guess we could pack them in."
"It won't be for long," said Kirk. "The high brass will take them off your hands in a hurry."
"We'll see to it," said Vinson. "I guess you'll want to call New York. And don't worry about the women, I'll stop by the house and let them know we're okay."
"Thanks," said Kirk. He went out across the meadow to the house, and put in his call to Charteris.
After that things happened with desperate speed. A fleet of air-cars descended on Orville and the Kirk house. Charteris was with them. He inspected the Orion scout, conferred briefly with his aides, and then spoke to Kirk.
"I suppose I should apologize, Commander," he said, rather stiffly, "but I'm not going to. In our position we have no choice but to suspect any force too strong for us to deal with easily."
"I don't care about anything," said Kirk, "except to get my squadron off the ground before Orion strikes."
Charteris nodded. "Your squadron is being fitted for action now. I suggest we return to New York at once to confer with Admiral Laney and decide strategy."