"That won't hurt it," Mary-Ellen said. "Do you two know each other? Tug Wynne . . ."
"I've seen the Major on the Hill."
Kinsman said, "You're with Satellite News, aren't you?"
Nodding, Wynne replied, "Surprised to see you here, Major, after this morning's committee session."
Kinsman forced a grin. "I'm an old family friend. I've known the Senator since we were kids."
"You think he's gonna vote against the Moonbase pro- gram?"
"I hope not," Kinsman said.
Mary-Ellen kept silent.
"He sure gave your Colonel Murdock a going-over this morning." Wynne chuckled wheezily. "Mrs. McGrath, you shoulda seen your husband in action."
Kinsman changed the subject. "Say, did you know old Cy Calder? Used to work for Allied News Syndicate out on the West Coast."
"Only by legend," Wynne answered. "He died four, five years ago, I heard."
"Yes, I know."
"Musta been past eighty. Friend of yours?"
"Sort of. And he was past ninety."
"Ninety!"
"I knew him . . . lord, it was almost ten years ago. Back when we were just starting the first Air Force manned space missions. Helluva guy."
Mary-Ellen said, "I'd better pay some attention to the other guests. There are several old friends of yours here tonight, Chet. Mix around, you'll find them."
With another rasping chuckle, Wynne said, "Guess we could give somebody else a chance to get to the bar."
Kinsman started to drift away but Wynne followed behind him.
"Murdock send you over here to soften up McGrath?"
