Only the faces of the three Senate Committee members were different. But they usually were.
"Yes sir, one question. It was my understanding—and Captain Streeter's, I'm sure—that Final Security and Briefing had been scheduled for about nine weeks from now. There has been no acceleration in the final phases of our program, so—"
"I, ah—" McQuine interrupted smoothly, "think that question might best be answered by your Final Briefing officers, Major. Now, any other questions?"
"No sir." So that was it, all right. The rumors, as usual, had a germ of truth in them. All rumors did. And these had been more persistent than most. Cold war not so cold anymore. General Adams transferring. That last note from Big Red—didn't all get to the papers! Cold war not so cold anymore....
"Now, Major, when you were a sophomore in high-school—the book entitled A World United not on your required English or Political Science reading lists, was it?"
"No sir, not as I recall, but—"
"Then why did you read it? You have admitted before that you did read it—"
Pause. All up to him. Every single word, every single inflection, up to him....
"I took quite an interest in my studies, both in high-school and in college, sir, as I believe my records will show you. They'll show that I also read books relating to other courses that weren't a regular part of the curriculum...."
Nodding. But looking him squarely in the face, hesitating just the right length of time. Then suddenly "Major Thorn do you swear here and now in the presence of witnesses that your allegiance to your country comes first above all with the sole possible exception of Almighty God?"