"Yes. Call Commander Briggs of the Bureau of Research. Call Commander Breckenridge of the Bureau of Operations. Demand that they state under oath, whether I did or did not make such suggestions. I was told my ideas were worthless."
"In other words, the Bureau of Research says it wouldn't work?"
"But look, sir! I drove a spacecraft all the way from—"
The Bureau of Justice officer held up a hand.
"Look," said the junior spaceman angrily, "all I want is justice!"
"And justice you'll get!" retorted Commander Hughes. "First, Mr. Reed, let me ask how you obtained permission to leave your post on Flatbush, Lalande 25372, so that you could come to the headquarters in person to state your plea? Or was this trip authorized?"
"Well, sir—the detector and beacon stations are completely automated and—"
"In blunt terms you are absent without leave?"
"Well, sir—"