Stranger in a Strange Land

To his relief both had duties elsewhere. Jubal found himself promising not only to fetch Mike to that obscene Fosterite service but also to bring him to the White House — well, the boy could get sick, if necessa . «Please, girls!»

Mike was convoyed to the roof, Anne creating a bow wave with her height, her Valkyrie beauty, her impressive cloak. Jubal, Ben, and the officers from the Champion covered the rear. Larry and the bus were waiting; minutes later the driver left them on the roof of the New Mayflower. Newsmen caught up with them there, but the girls guarded Mike on down to a suite Duke had taken. They were enjoying it; Miriam and Dorcas displayed ferocity that reminded Jubal of a cat defending her young. A reporter that closed within three feet courted a spiked instep.

They found their corridor patrolled by S.S. troopers and an officer outside their suite.

Jubal's back hair rose, but he realized that their presence meant that Douglas was carrying out the bargain. The letter Jubal had sent before the conference had included a plea to Douglas to use his power to protect Mike's privacy — so that the unfortunate lad could lead a normal life.

So Jubal called out, «Jill! Keep Mike under control. It's okay.»

«Right, Boss.»

The officer at the door saluted, Jubal glanced at him. «Well! Howdy, Major. Busted down any doors lately?»

Major Bloch turned red and did not answer. Jubal wondered if the assignment was punishment? Duke was waiting inside. Jubal said, «Sit down, gentlemen. How about it, Duke?»

Duke shrugged. «Nobody has bugged this suite since I took it. But, Boss,any dump can be bugged so you can't find it.»

«Yes, yes — I didn»t mean that. I mean, “How about our supplies?” I'm hungry, boy, and thirsty — and we've got three more for lunch.»

«Oh, that. The stuff was unloaded under my eyes; I put it in the pantry. You've got a suspicious nature, Boss.»

«You'd better acquire one if you want to live as long as I have.»

«I don't hanker to.»

«Matter of taste. I've had a good time, on the whole. Get crackin', girls. First one back with a drink for me skips her next turn at “Front”. After our guests, I mean. Do sit down, gentlemen. Sven, what's your favorite poison? Akvavit? Larry, duck out and buy a couple of bottles. And Bols gin for the Captain.»

«Hold it, Jubal,» Nelson said. «I'd rather have Scotch.»

«Me, too,» agreed van Tromp.

«Got enough to drown a horse. Dr. Mahmoud? If you prefer soft drinks, I'm sure the girls tucked some in.»

Mahmoud looked wistful. «I should not be tempted by strong drink.»

«Allow me.» Jubal looked him over. «Son, you've been under nervous strain. Having no meprobamate, I'm forced to substitute two ounces of ninety-proof ethanol, repeat as needed. Any particular flavor?»

Mahmoud smiled. «Thank you, Doctor — but I'll sin my own sins. Gin, please, with water on the side. Or vodka. Or whatever is available.»

«Or medicinal alcohol,» Nelson added. «Don't let him kid you, Jubal. Stinky drinks anything — and regrets it.»

«I do regret it,» Mahmoud said earnestly. «It is sinful.»

«Don't needle him, Sven,» Jubal said brusquely. «If Stinky gets more mileage out of his sins by regretting, that's his business. To each his own. How about victuals, Stinky? Anne stuffed a ham into one of those hampers — and there may be other unclean items. Shall I check?»

Mahmoud shook his head. «I'm not a traditionalist, Jubal. That legislation was given long ago, for the needs of the time. The times are different now.»

Jubal suddenly looked sad. «Yes. But for the better? Never mind, this too shall pass. Eat what you will, my brother — God forgives necessity.»

«Thank you. But I often do not eat in the middle of the day.»

«Better eat or ethanol will do more than relax you. Besides, these kids who work for me may sometimes misspell words … but they are all superb cooks.»

Miriam was entering with a tray of drinks, orders filled while Jubal ranted. «Boss,» she broke in, «will you put that in writing?»

«What?»He whirled around.«Snooping! Stay after school and write one thousand times: “I will not flap my ears at private conversations.” »

«Yes, Boss. This is for you, Captain … and you, Dr. Nelson … and yours, Dr. Mahmoud. Water on the side, you said?»

«Yes, Miriam. Thank you.»

«Usual Harshaw service — sloppy but fast. Here's yours, Boss.»

«You put water in it!»

«Anne's orders. You're too tired to have it on the rocks.»

Jubal looked long-suffering. «See what I put up with, gentlemen? We should never have put shoes on 'em. Miriam, make that “one thousand times” in Sanskrit.»

«Yes, Boss.» She patted him on the head. «Go ahead and have your tizzy, dear; you've earned it. We're proud of you.»

«Back to the kitchen, woman. Has everybody got a drink? Where's Ben?»

«They have by now. Ben is phoning in his column, his drink is at his elbow.»

«Very well. You may back out quietly — and send Mike in. Gentlemen! Me ke aloha pau ole!» He drank, they joined him.

«Mike's helping. I think he's going to be a butler when he grows up.»