Chapter 4An hour later I was sitting inanofficer’s chair with Captain Liddle beside me and stared into ascreen which held wriggly white and black lines. But at least itdidn’t hum. Finally, it cleared up and I was surprised at the faceon the screen. Danton A. Anson, vice president of the Federation,waslooking back at me. A distinguished man, he had short white hairanda white goatee. Astonishing clarity in the blue eyes. He had areputation for honesty and, for once, the reputation was correct.Anson did not play fast and loose with the truth.
“Major Ryvenbark. I’ve heard ofyou. It’s good to meet you, so to speak.”
“Good to meet you, Mr. VicePresident. I assume you know where I am and what our missionis.”
“Your mission is to scout the planetSandeling and gather information about the planet
