"Yes. He's due here any minute to see me. Have there been any calls?"
"Quite a few. I've relayed them down to Mr. Eglin's office, as instructed."
"Good girl," Walton said.
"Oh, Mr. Percy's here. And there's a call for you from communications."
Walton frowned. "Tell Percy to wait outside a minute or two. Give me the call."
The communications tech on the screen was grinning excitedly. He said, "Subspace message just came in for you, sir."
"From Venus?"
"No, sir. From Colonel McLeod."
"Let's have it," Walton said.
The technician read, "'To Walton from McLeod, via subspace radio: Have made successful voyage to Procyon system, and am on way back with Dirnan ambassador on board. See you soon, and good luck—you'll need it.'"