“This is Sergeant Lex, Mother, and this is an official call.”
“Come again?”
“I said this is Sergeant-all right, Acting Sergeant Lex. I’m down here at the war council, and Lieutenant Rembrandt has just put me on a special assignment. I need your help.”
“Who doesn’t?” came the jaunty response. “Okay, Acting Sergeant Lex, what can I do for you?”
“Dee Dee Watkins should be finishing her show in the next few minutes,” the actor said. “Have someone meet her when she comes offstage and bring her over to the war council. Then see if you can find that cameraman and send him along as well. In fact, get the reporter, too, if you can find her. No harm in a little publicity while we’re doing this. Also, pass the word to the duty crew that there’ll be new orders coming shortly. We’re going to be evacuating the complex for a while. Got that?”
“Got it,” Mother echoed. “Sounds like we’re finally on the move.”
“I’ll leave that explanation to Lieutenant Rembrandt,” Lex countered. “Just put those calls through, and give me a confirmation when you’re done. Okay?”
“I’m on it. Mother out.”
Glancing around, Lex caught Trooper’s eye and beckoned him over.
“I’ve got to duck out of here for a few minutes,” he. said. “If Dee Dee or the others show up, hang on to them until I get back.”
“Where are you going, Lex?” the youth inquired.
“I don’t know about the cameraman,” the actor explained, “but I do know Dee Dee won’t powder her nose without a contract. Fortunately I happen to have a couple blanks upstairs in my room.”