Officers and soldiers formed a cheering circle as he climbed out of
the hatch, followed by Ga-Marr. Old companions rushed forward to
shake the Earthman's hand and bombard him with questions. Smiling,
Standish pushed his way through the throng to the building marked
GHQ. An orderly ushered him inside, and a moment later he was facing
Attack-Engineer McClellan whose eyes were wide with amazement.
"Listen," Standish began without preamble, "I want to see a detailed
map and an aerial photograph of the Sirian's Frisco base. Have you got
one?"
McClellan bit into his cigar and nodded. He opened a cabinet and laid
out two large sheets.
"The pilot who made these barely got out with his life," he said. "I
don't suppose you'd care to tell me where you've been or what you've
got in mind, Standish."
Without answering Standish gazed at the maps and the photograph.
Presently he looked up.
"Prepare for a big push," he said. "Get all your guns and men ready
for immediate movement. And keep your observers watching this point,
Sector Five"--he indicated the area with his forefinger--"As soon as
the firing stops there, go through."
He turned then and ran back to the ship.
Straight into the stratosphere Standish guided the ship. As he
continued to climb higher into the night sky, Ga-Marr watched puzzled,
but made no comment. One thousand, two, three thousand miles slid
behind them. At length the Earthman turned.
"Set off the emergency rocket flares," he ordered.