It was night in New Washington. Outside, you could hear the familiar street sounds, the jet-cars rushing by, the muted talk of people after the theater down the street closed for the night, the gentle sighing of wind in the trees which spanned the avenue.
Inside the fraternity lodge, everything was quiet. New Washington students were studying in their small rooms; some of them had already retired. Bill Graham, who had been Alan's room-mate in the good days, said: "You know I want to believe you, Alan. We've been friends ever since we started through college together."
"All I want you to do is watch Laura. Don't let her out of your sight."
"But everyone says you gave Earth the ultimatum."
"Would I be here now if I did? I'm trying to prevent it, Bill. You've got to believe me."
"All I have to do is watch her?"
"Yes. I'm going straight to the President if I can. Something's been bothering me about this ultimatum of Keifer's all along. Now I think I know what it is. I think we have a chance to stop him, Bill. Just a chance, but we can try."
"What about your ship? How did you get through the radar net?"
Alan smiled grimly. "I remembered your registration number, Bill. I had to give it to them. They'll think it was your ship."
"Holy Mac!" Bill Graham cried. "Then they'll think I—"