The rec dome complex represented several years' worth of cajoling and arguing with General Murdock, who had stubbornly refused to see the need for such luxury at Moon- base. It was only after Kinsman had procured a year's supply of scotch for the base's three psychiatrists, and they began sending out reports on the vital need for recreational facilities at this distant outpost of human habitation, that the dome got built. Officially, Murdock still did not know that the Luniks had built a pool for themselves.

Pat Kelly spotted Kinsman and padded up from poolside toward him, trying desperately to look nonchalant.

"Uh, hi, Chet. About that order that came through this afternoon . . ." Kelly was a little guy, wiry, with a pleasant, open face marred by an oversized set of teeth and undersized squinting eyes which made him look something like a rabbit. His quick, nervous way of talking and moving added to the impression. Sandy hair, darting pale blue eyes. He was very bright, young, and coming on strong. He had already put in two tours of duty on the Moon and was now on his third. He had just made major, and Kinsman had picked him as his second-in-command.

"The order from Murdock?" Kinsman felt his insides go cold. "Any problems?"

"No, no. Just wondering what it's all about. Why do we have to get up a detailed report on our manpower and logistics by twelve hundred tomorrow?"

"Murdock wants to know how much help we can give the manned stations," Kinsman answered evenly.

"Yeah, that's obvious. But why? What's going on? What about this yellow alert?"

Shrugging. "Don't know, Pat. But you know Murdock. He's always been a wet-pantser."

Kelly still looked bothered. "Listen, Chet, is there really gonna be trouble? I've got a wife and kids down there. If there's gonna be real trouble. I want to be with them."

"I told you a long time ago to bring them up here. Even if 298 the shit hits the fan Earthside, we can ride it out up here."

"With half the place owned by the Russkies?" Pat's eyes widened in disbelief.

"If we have to fight here, at least it'll be with handguns, not nuclear missiles."

"You get just as dead."

Kinsman clutched the younger man's shoulder. "Pat, if I could order you to bring your family here, I'd do it."

"You feel that strong about it?"

"They'd be much better off."

His face seemed to twitch, rabbitlike. "They're not in such bad shape, you know. Good government housing. Got two whole rooms for themselves, off the base. Pretty good location—no break-ins, not even any electricity rationing, except in the summer."

"Bring them here," Kinsman repeated.

"You think I should?"

"I'll get the travel authorizations processed. Do it tomor- row."

Kelly still looked undecided. "Maybe you're right ..."

Great way to start a party, Kinsman thought. Trying to decide if your wife and kids are going to get blown up this month or next.

Diane came up beside him. "The view here is incredi- ble!"

Eyeing her green and yellow bikini. Kinsman agreed, "It certainly is."

She grinned at him. "I knew you'd say that!"