CRADLE OF SATURN BY JAMES P. HOGAN

“Hmm. It sounds likely. How much do we know?”

“When I went to see David Salio, he said something about commonalities of interests between the academic establishment and the financial-defense sector. That could give some leads as to who Voler is working with—obviously he’s not on his own. I noticed at the meeting with Hayer that he seemed to be part of a group that voted together. It’s no secret that Tyndam up at Cambridge and he are old cronies. And Hixson at Goddard has to be part of it from the way he changed his tune so suddenly—I mean, what else was Voler doing there at that time? But most of all, I’d be interested to know more about this guy, Vincent Queal, that Voler seems to have a connection with. All I can tell you right now is that he’s with one of the intelligence agencies, which could mean that some part of the military is involved. Let me know whatever you can find out. As far as I know I’ll be with Charlie Hu at JPL, or I’ll make sure that somebody there knows how to find me. They’ve got a direct landline, so I’ll be accessible whatever happens with the communications.”

They arrived at the main gate of the air base. A sentry checked them through and directed them to the terminal building, where the rest of the party due to leave for Los Angeles was assembling. As the car drew to a halt, Keene turned and extended a hand. “Let’s hope it doesn’t turn out as bad as some people are saying. But just in case . . .”

Cavan clasped it solemnly. “It’s been an interesting few years, Landen. You know, it’s a pity you didn’t go to Kronia long ago. That’s where you should be.”

“And take care of Alicia. I never did get to meet her.”

“Ah, she’s crazy.”

“You never told me why.”

“Look at the company she keeps, for heaven’s sake.”

Keene paused and looked up as he climbed out of the car. There was a distinct reddish tint to the Moon. The sky everywhere was lit up continuously by brief flashes crossing an eerie background of violet, pink, orange, and green traceries.

28

Maybe because of West Coast connotations and constant mentions of the observatories in Hawaii, Keene had been half expecting somebody chubby and jovial in sandals and a beach shirt. Charlie Hu turned out to be of Oriental origins, sure enough, but lean and soberly attired in a light gray suit with necktie, even at an unearthly hour of the morning. He was in his fifties, Keene judged, with streaky graying hair and a neatly trimmed beard. He greeted Keene and his companions formally but warmly, standing as they were shown into his office and bowing slightly when they shook hands. “What in God’s name are they doing in Washington?” were his first words after the introductions. “Everyone else in the world knows what they’re supposed to be announcing, yet they have to send you here to ask me?”

The news media, abuzz by now that something big was about to break, were pressing the scientists, and many of the scientists were getting impatient and starting to talk. Rumors of the wealthy and famous quietly commencing arrangements to board up and vacate waterfront properties in Argentina and Brazil, the African Cape, Hong Kong, and to move themselves and their valuables to higher, inland retreats didn’t help to assuage the rising anxieties of average people without such options. Religious groups of every persuasion were thumbing through their tracts and finding the fulfillment of a score of prophecies, all different. Several cities in India were seeing unrest and demonstrations demanding more positive action from the government—although precisely what action was left unspecified. Several places reported mob unrest, and a number of states were preparing to proclaim martial law.

But not everyone was overreacting. Holiday package-tour operators and cruise lines reassured customers that they would get full refunds for any schedules that had to be canceled, or a discount if they let them carry over to next year. The British Prime Minister, after returning from his Scottish estate for an emergency session in Parliament, had urged his cabinet to enjoy the fireworks display, put off for a month any plans they might have to go sailing, and returned to continue his vacation.

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