"I suppose the 'path of neutrality' means Superior might consider hiring itself out to the highest bidder?" Don asked.
"That would be one way of putting it," Clark said. "Undiplomatic but accurate."
"How does Civek intend to get his message to Washington?" asked Don, aware that it had already been transmitted to the Pentagon via the transceiver under his collar. "Bottle over the side?"
"My sources tell me they've got WCAV working on short wave. That right, Alis?"
"Don't ask me. I only live there."
"Do you still think Civek is fronting for the Cavalier crowd?" Don asked her.
"I don't remember saying that," she said. "I think I agreed with you when you said Civek was ineffectual. Who do you think is behind him? Do you think he's king of the kangaroos?"
"Well," Don said, "they're the ones who took him away last night. And when he came back this morning he had all the trappings. He didn't get that coach-and-six from foreign aid."
Ed Clark said, "This is all very fascinating, kids, but it's not helping me get out my extra. Don, why don't you take the little lady out to lunch? You can continue your theorizing over the blueplate special at the Riverside Inn. Only place in town still open, they tell me."