Harriman said, "It's one of those lovely ironies that the Yanks and the Rooskies don't trust each other, so they don't tell each other what's happening at their bases. But it's only a matter of time before they figure out that nothing's leaving either Moonbase or Lunagrad. They'll get suspicious then."
That's why we've got to move fast." Kinsman got up and stepped around the desk. "Hugh, I was thinking of asking you to act as chief honcho around here while I'm gone."
"Lord no!"
Kinsman raised a hand to calm him. "I know, I know. You're not the right man for the job. Philosophers aren't leaders of men."
"Shit! You've got a nice way of deballing people."
Turning to Colt, "But military officers are, by training and attitude, leaders of men."
The black man looked startled. "What're you saying?"
"I'm asking, Frank. Asking if I can trust you to run our half of Selene until I get back from the space stations."
Colt laughed bitterly. "You're crazy, man."
"I need you, Frank. I need the job done, and done well. You can do it."
"I'm not on your side! Haven't you caught up with that fact yet?"
Kinsman leaned back on the edge of the desk. "Frank, you could have stopped me there at the water factory. But I asked you to trust me and you did. I think you can see that Leonov's keeping his word ..."
"They can still pull the rug out from under you anytime, buddy. Anytime at all."
"Maybe. Maybe Leonov's bluffing, although I don't think he'd get himself shot in the ass just to . . ."
"Shot where?"
Harriman bubbled, "You should've seen him last night! Had his goddamned ass in a sling! For real!"
Colt shook his head, bewildered.
"Frank." Kinsman was serious. "I'm asking you if you will run Selene for a few days—our half of it, at least. Get the repairs started on the water factory. Make sure everything runs smoothly. What you'll be doing will have nothing to do with which side you're on. You'll be taking care of several hundred men, women, and children, making sure that this place runs smoothly. Whether I win or lose is something else entirely."
Colt started shaking his head.
"All I ask is that you promise not to try to contact the space stations or Earthside. Just take care of the job that needs doing here. Can I trust you?"
