The general listened quietly.
"Break it to the press," he said at last. "Ask that all civilians cooperate."
The Pentagon resumed the report.
It was estimated that more than eight hundred saucers had already landed across the planet. There was only a little information so far from foreign countries, all of whom had been alerted. Russia had reported nineteen mutants captured. England reported two. France—
"Thanks," the general said.
The Elder detected the interference when a control needle on the frequency transmitter began to jump erratically. Instantly he checked the displacement coupling. There was nothing wrong with it. The frequency was being properly transmitted.
He was petrified with terror. His eyes glazed. His tentacles hung limp. Breath gurgled in his body; bubbled and rattled and rasped.
Then, leadenly, he moved one tentacle.
**Conference!** he shrieked to his colleagues. **Conference,** he sobbed brokenly.