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force?”
     
    Doctor Song stared at him.  “I am not a military officer,” she protested.  “I’ve never been on a warship in my life.”
     
    “I need her here,” Doctor Murray added, sharply.  “Your Excellency ...”
     
    “The country needs her expertise on the front lines,” Henry said, firmly.  “We don’t have time to send back biological samples, let alone live aliens.  Doctor Song will be assigned to an escort ship and, hopefully, have the first look at any captives we take.”
     
    Doctor Murray scowled.  “And could you guarantee her safety?”
     
    “No,” Henry said.  There was no point in trying to lie.  “But she would have a chance to make a very real difference.  This war ... this war may hinge on learning how to communicate with the newcomers.”
     
    “Or learning how to kill them more effectively,” Doctor Song said, quietly.
     
    “Exactly,” Henry said.  He took a breath.  “I can't force you to accompany the task force” - technically he could, but the last thing anyone wanted was a resentful xenospecialist - “but your presence would be very welcome.  It might make a considerable difference.”
     
    Doctor Song looked at Doctor Murray, then back at Henry.  “Can I write a letter to my parents first, explaining why I’m leaving the system?”
     
    “Of course,” Henry said.  “You’ll have at least a week to pack your supplies, including all the data and tools you think you’ll need, then you’ll be transported to the RV point to link up with the rest of the task force.  If you change your mind” - honour demanded he tell her, even though part of him suspected Doctor Murray would try hard to change her mind - “you need to let us know before the end of the week, so someone else can be invited in your place.”
     
    “I understand,” Doctor Song said.  She took a breath.  “And I will come, if you need me.”
     
    “We need someone ,” Henry confirmed.  “I suggest you go write your letters now, then start planning for the trip.”
     
    He waited until she had left the office, then looked at Doctor Murray.  “Don’t try to talk her out of this.”
     
    “I need her,” Doctor Murray said, flatly.  “She isn't a military officer, Your Excellency.  Her expertise took years to develop.”
     
    “That’s why we need her too,” Henry said.  “How long does it take to get a message from Earth to Tadpole Prime?”
     
    “Two months,” Doctor Murray said.
     
    “And this time the task force will be operating further from Earth,” Henry warned.  He knew she wouldn't understand, but he had to try.  “Having an expert on the spot, Doctor, may make the difference between life and death.”
     
    “And so you’re taking a valuable researcher away from me,” Doctor Murray said.
     
    “I’m taking her to where she can make an important contribution,” Henry said.  He rose, checking his watch.  There should be time to make it back to Nelson Base before the next round of briefings.  “And there will be plenty to be done back here, too.”

Chapter Four
     
    “We’re approaching Vanguard now, Captain,” the pilot said.  “Do you want to come up front?”
     
    Susan nodded and scrambled to her feet, hurrying forward until she was standing right behind the pilot and peering towards the L4 Shipyard.  Hundreds of starships, shuttlecraft and worker bees were buzzing around the complex - the human race was, once again, preparing for war - but her attention was helplessly drawn towards a cluster of lights waiting at the edge of the shipyard.  Illuminated by spotlights mounted on the spacedock, HMS Vanguard slowly took on shape and form as the shuttle approached.  Susan stared, memorising each feature anew.
     
    My ship , she thought.  It was a hell of a reward - a sign, perhaps, that she did have friends in high places after all.  Even if her promotion to Captain was confirmed, she’d be a long way down the line to command a battleship