"Yes," Alan said. He still didn't believe Earth would subject millions of people, its own military garrison included, to killing thirst.
"Very well. I—"
At that moment, a buzzer sounded on Keifer's desk. "Yes, what is it?"
The voice was frantic. "This is the reservoir, sir. The water's stopped flowing. The warp is closed!"
"We'll ration what we have left," Keifer said grimly. "Two quarts per person, effective immediately." Then, to Alan: "I'll make arrangements for you with Captain Haddix. They weren't fooling, Alan. They gave us exactly one hour."
Alan met Captain Haddix outside, where plans were made for their flight to the space-warp route. If Earth did this, Alan thought bleakly, then maybe Keifer was right. For Earth would thereby condemn itself in the eyes of the Outworlds with such blatant disregard for human life.
"They haven't touched us so far, Dad," Laura Olmstead told her father. "Alan won't let them."
"We're prisoners in this room. But I think Alan's a prisoner, too. Up here." General Olmstead tapped his head. "They've got the boy fooled, Laura, if what you told me is the truth."
"I'm sure it is. I'm sure Alan wouldn't have betrayed his own father like that. You've got to trust him, Dad."