"They want to see you down below, sir. Especially Mr. Borrodale. He says it's urgent."
Kellon thought wearily, "Well, I might as well go down and face the pack of them. Here's where they really begin."
He nodded to Viresson, and went down below to the main cabin. The sight of it revolted him. Instead of his own men in it, relaxing or chinning, it held a small and noisy mob of over-dressed, overloud men and women, all of whom seemed to be talking at once and uttering brittle, nervous laughter.
"Captain Kellon, I want to ask you—"
"Captain, if you please—"
He patiently nodded and smiled and plowed through them to Borrodale. He had been given particular instructions to cooperate with Borrodale, the most famous telaudio commentator in the Federation.
Borrodale was a slightly plump man with a round pink face and incongruously large and solemn black eyes. When he spoke, one recognized at once that deep, incredibly rich and meaningful voice.
"My first broadcast is set for thirty minutes from now, Captain. I shall want a view as we go in. If my men could take a mobile up to the bridge—"
Kellon nodded. "Of course. Mr. Viresson is up there and will assist them in any way."
"Thank you, Captain. Would you like to see the broadcast?"