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range of planetary missiles. Then it should be easy enough to tow it back to where the Great Sphere is being examined.” She grinned with wicked delight. “How much more we can learn from an intact vessel than a melted hulk.”
    Osullivan’s expression brightened considerably.
    â€œPrime Rowan, it went severely against the grain to know that those Hivers would have four colony ships available to them.”
    She chuckled, twisting the stem of her wine glass, her grey eyes sparkling at him over its rim.
    â€œSoon there will be none. I’m delighted you find yourself in tune with this plan.”
    â€œâ€™Delighted’ isn’t strong enough but it will suffice,” Osullivan said. “I’m certain that Captain Quacho will concur. I assume,” and he hesitated, “that the
KTTS
will release the missiles to us.”
    â€œThe
KTTS
will insist on taking part as well, Captain. Their honor needs some restoration.”
    â€œShall we confer with Captain Quacho?”
    â€œOf course,” said the Rowan, and Osullivan turned to his console to key in the signal.
    *   *   *
    Afra joined them sometime after the Rowan, having obtained Quacho’s enthusiastic cooperation and Mrtgrts’s agreement, had relayed the proposal to her husband, who put the matter before the two Alliance commanders. Captain Osullivan had ordered dinner and when Afra appeared, asked for service. First he poured Afra a glass of wine.
    â€œMy own special favorite, Mr. Lyon,” the captain said, hoping by his courtesy he managed to convey what he could not express to the Aurigaean T-2.
    Afra tasted the wine with due solemnity and a little smile of appreciation.
    â€œRojer is all right?” the captain asked.
    â€œHe’s asleep,” Afra replied, “with Flk and Trp to ease him with good dreams.”
    â€œMay I say how heavily this despicable incident rests on my mind?”
    â€œYou have in many ways, Captain,” Afra said solemnly, “and we have been aware of each, even if we have not properly thanked you for the depth of your concern. Rojerwill recover. He certainly bears you no rancor. Ah,” he said, changing the subject as stewards entered with steaming dishes, redolent with delectable aromas. “I hadn’t realized how hungry I am.”
    â€œYou were very considerate to bring in those supplies or, I can assure you, my cook would have been hard put to present you a decent meal.”
    â€œThis is a feast,” the Rowan said, holding up her glass for more wine. “Where
does
this vintage come from?”
    â€œYou can’t guess?” Afra asked in polite surprise.
    â€œThen it has to be Capellan,” she said with a mild grimace. “It has always amused me that such a methody planet produces such fine vintages.”
    *   *   *
    The next morning Afra and Rojer left for Deneb where Rojer would undergo such ministrations as his great-grandmother, Isthia Raven, thought advisable to ease his mind. The large carrier also left with the ’Dini pairs needing hibernation and the four crew members whom the morale officer had ordered to take furloughs. The Rowan remained aboard the
Genesee.
She had not discussed the punitive proposal with Afra although she supposed he had picked up references to it from the captain—who was full of the prospect of some action—or any of the elated officers and crew. He said nothing beyond telling her that he would inform Rojer if he felt the knowledge would be therapeutic.
    The Rowan also awaited the decision of the High Council, though she had some assurance from Jeff that there was little doubt the proposal would be accepted. It would salve the conservatives that the planet would be left unharmed and placate the militants that all space capability was destroyed.
    The decision was affirmative but she would have to awaitthe arrival of Thian Lyon as FT&T replacement and an