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"It's no great secret," said the tug's captain "Whenever the destination is unknown, it's for ISL" By analogy with IPL, Ender decided the letters meant Inter-Stellar Launch

"This time it isn't," said Graff

"Where then?"

"IF Command"

"I don't have security clearance even to knohere that is, sir"

"Your ship knows," said Graff "Just let the computer have a look at this, and follow the course it plots" He handed the captain the plastic ball

"And I'e, so I don't figure out where we are?"

"Oh, no, of course not IF Command is on the minor planet Eros, which should be about three hest possible speed Which is the speed you'll use, of course"

"Eros? But I thought that the buggers burned that to a radioactive--ah When did I receive security clearance to know this?"

"You didn't So e arrive at Eros, you will undoubtedly be assigned to permanent duty there"

The captain understood immediately, and didn't like it "I'ht to lock me up on a rock!"

"I will overlook your derisive language to a superior officer I do apologize, butAt the h anyone were out to get you Cheer up The war may be over in another fifteen years, and then the location of IF Command won't have to be a secret anymore By the way, you should be aware, in case you're one of those who relies on visuals for docking, that Eros has been blacked out Its albedo is only slightly brighter than a black hole You won't see it"

"Thanks," said the captain

It was nearly a ed to speak civilly to Colonel Graff

The shipboard coeared pri the voyage, after breakfast andexercises, Ender and Graff would usually talk About Command School About Earth About astronomy and physics and whatever Ender wanted to know