"From what I've heard. Two of your astronomers took her in and kicked me and the guards out." He narrowed his eyes and nodded in the direction of the cafeteria. "What's my role going to be when you fellows are done?"

"Captain, USN, I presume," Lanier said. "In charge of external security. I'm not going to hand them the Stone on a plate."

"Have they agreed to disarm?"

Lanier shook his head. "Not yet. They want to set up a secure camp in the fourth chamber, then they'll discuss disarmament. I'm giving Mirsky a private tour later this afternoon. . . the libraries, the cities."

"Jesus, I'd like to go with you."

"You'll get your chance soon. As far as Gerhardt and I are concerned, it's all open. No monopoly."

"Even the seventh chamber?"

"In time. They haven't asked about that yet."

Kirchner raised his eyebrows. "Weren't they told?"

"I have no idea what they tell their military men. Certainly they'll know pretty soon. The Russian science team is not exactly mixing with the soldiers—military doesn't count for much in their eyes, apparently. But word will get around." He paused for a long moment. "Any word from Earth?"

"Not a thing. Some radar activity in the Arctic Ocean—maybe a few surface ships. Can't see much. Smoke is covering most of Europe, Asia, the United States. They can't be concerned with us, Garry."

Kirchner walked across the compound and climbed into a truck going to the zero elevator entrance. Lanier knocked on the barracks door. Janice Polk answered.

"Come on in," she said. "She's awake and I took her some food a few minutes ago."

Hoffman sat on the couch in the small lounge. Beryl Wallace and Lieutenant Doreen Cunningham, former head of compound security, sat on chairs across from her. Cunningham's head was bandaged, evidence of the laser burn she had received before the surrender of the first compound.

They stood as Lanier entered; Cunningham made as if to salute, then smiled sheepishly and lowered her hand.

"Ladies, Mr. Lanier and I have some catching up to do," Hoffman said, placing a half-full glass of orange juice on the tank-baffle table. When they were alone, Lanier sat and pulled the chair closer.

"I think I'm ready for a briefing," Hoffman said. "I haven't heard anything since I left Earth. Was it like what the libraries showed us?"

"Yes," Lanier said. "And the Long Winter is starting."

"Okay." She pinched her nose with two fingers and rubbed it vigorously. "End of the world. All that we know." She sighed and the sigh threatened to shudder into a sob. "Shit. First things first."

Lanier held out his hand and she shook it.

"They'll think we're lovers," she said.

"A purely Druckerian relationship," Lanier said.

She laughed and wiped her eyes with a handkerchief.

"How are you doing, Garry?" she asked.

He didn't answer for a long moment. "I lost my aircraft, Judith. I was in charge—"

"Bull."