' You sound like a professional Undertaker,' I grated.

He shrugged. Commander Peace's burial demanded special arrangements. You must have wondered why your request to see the body was not granted.'

' I don't wonder any longer. Whose bloody-fool idea was all this?'

Mine'

I won't have any part in it,' I retorted. You and your your arrangements can go to hell.'

I did not seem to get through to him. It would look rather strange, would it not,' he went on blandly, if John Garland, Peace's friend and comrade-in-arms, sulked while the hero was given the honours and recognition due to him?'

Honours and recognition be-! There is still time to call off this whole silly farce'

Is there?' He was cool, sure of himself. ' Tell the Defence Minister not to come? Tell the top representatives of the Limuria Grand Alliance that John Garland claims the exclusive right to bury his friend as he-and no one else thinks fit? Reverse the chain of communications now in motion to relay the ceremony? Tell millions of television viewers..

I cursed myself for not having broken through the obstructions when I first heard of Peace's death. Now it seemed too late.

Don't you wish Commander Peace to be honoured?'

Not in this way.'

How, then, if I may ask?'

I… I I… all I know is that he should have been buried quietly at sea…' My voice trailed off.

The C-in-C rose to go. You have not made any of the constructive suggestions I had hoped for from someone so close to Commander Peace.' Bloody hypocritical bastard, thought. I think we may take it that the present arrangements will stand. Ackroyd will keep in touch with you. Can you have your things packed in, say, an hour? I must ask 21 you not to come aboard Bellatrix except during the formal lying-in-state hours. Naval guards will be posted with orders.'

He shrugged slightly. I hope you will not embarrass either