Part 7 (1/2)

”But why should these brains want their help?” Snap demanded.

”Wouldn't you say it was because, in Ferrok-Shahn, Grebhar and here in Greater New York, simultaneously tonight, something has to be accomplished, something the brains themselves could not do? Molo and his band know all three cities. How they landed here in Greater New York n.o.body knows; the enemy s.p.a.ces.h.i.+p is 200,000 miles out. Obviously they came from it, landed secretly with some smaller s.h.i.+p somewhere on Earth and made their way here.”

A buzzer sounded beside us. A voice commanded: ”Grantline, bring Gregg Haljan and Daniel Dean to room six at once.”

In room six we stood before the War Secretary, who had arrived there a moment ahead of us.

”Ah, Haljan and Dean. I'm glad to see you.”

He was still white and shaken. Beads of perspiration stood upon his forehead. He mopped them off.

”I've just had a rather terrible experience.” He did not suggest that we sit down. He went on crisply: ”Grantline no doubt has told you of what's going on. Disturbing, terrifying. Haljan, we have a s.h.i.+p being rushed into commission tonight. You know her, the _Cometara_.”

”I know her,” I said.

”Quite so. She is taking off as soon as we can ready her. She will carry about fifty men. Grantline is in charge of the armament and men.

You, Dean, we want to handle her radio-helio.”

”Right,” said Snap.

”And you, Haljan, we can think of no one better to navigate her.”

He waved away my appreciation. ”Within a brief time we shall have thirty such s.h.i.+ps in s.p.a.ce. Mars and Venus also are mobilizing.”

He stood up. ”We feel, Haljan, that if anyone can handle the _Cometara_ with skill enough to combat this lurking enemy, it will be you.”

”I'll do my best, sir.”

”We know that. The s.h.i.+p is leaving from the Tappan Interplanetary Stage shortly after dawn. When have you and Dean last slept?”

”Last night,” we both said.

”Quite so. Then you need sleep now. I want you to go at once to the Tappan Fieldhouse. The commander there will make you comfortable. Eat, and sleep if you can. We want you in good shape. You're to keep out of this night's activities here in the city; you understand?”

”Yes sir.”

An orderly was approaching behind Brayley. ”I'll be back in a moment, Rollins.”

He shook hands with us. ”I may not see you again before it's over.

Good luck, lads. Grantline, they need you for a moment in the hall; something about electronic s.p.a.ce weapons, further equipment for the _Cometara_. Then you'd better go to Tappan House too, and get some sleep.”

We were dismissed. Snap and I regarded each other hesitantly. I said impulsively, ”Mr. Brayley, Detective-Colonel Halsey is using two girls.”

”Yes, we're watching that, Haljan.”

”They're the girls we're to marry,” I added. ”May we communicate with Colonel Halsey?”

”Yes. Call him from here.” He smiled wanly. ”But keep out of it; we need you at dawn.”