Half a dozen militiamen sat about the cabin of the jet-copter with them. Up front, a pilot and a co-pilot were at the controls.
"Alan's new on Mars, Dad. He's been at school on Earth, remember that."
The leader of the militiamen turned to Alan and said, "We're approaching Red Sands now, sir. Do you wish to go right down or look over the fortifications from the air?"
"Red Sands?" Alan asked. "What's that?"
"Operation Headquarters, sir. Your lieutenants are waiting for you to take charge of the revolution, sir."
"So he's new on Mars," General Olmstead told his daughter. "So he doesn't know a thing about this. He's running the whole show, Laura. He's got us for hostages, too, or didn't you realize it? Earth will think twice about attacking Federation Headquarters with us prisoner there."
Alan was going to tell General Olmstead and his daughter they wouldn't remain hostages long if he could help it, but the militiaman was waiting for his answer. He said, "Let's go right down. Who's in charge of the Headquarters, soldier?"
"Why, you are, sir."
"No. I mean right now."
"Bennett Keifer, sir. Your father's right-hand man."