Metafire

"OK, George. Don't get excited! We think the answer is yes. But there's all kind of red-tape on this end. The main problem is the coordination with the Russians. They read that USA Today article." Ferguson was lying, but he recognized that this was the perfect way to gain the week he needed to booby trap the Russian vehicles. "They are refusing to allow the Russian capsules, I think they are called Whitefire, to be transferred, until we explain what's going on. And, George, we don't want to explain what's going on, do we?"

George looked at Angela. She spoke, "John, this is Angela. Angela Simplaceanu. What is it that you are saying? We want those capsules now!"

"Angela, George, we can move our tug to you and get you more supplies for your trip. If you are going to head for the outer reaches of the solar system, we are willing to give you more food and oxygen. We even have a few instruments that the scientists in New Boston would like to have taken along. We were talking with the NSP this morning."

"In other words, you have agreed to let us go?" Angela really hoped he would say yes, and mean it.

"Yes. We have agreed. Our people have said yes. It's your banishment. It's certain death for you. You know that, right?" Ferguson actually only had the permission of the President. The judiciary had not been consulted. But the President said this was to be regarded as a military matter, even if Ferguson was in charge and not the Major.