Page 49 (1/2)

Rainy al more, but cannot “There are women under German bombs in Poland and in Holland and in the Soviet Union And ot to shoot back”

Alger takes Rainy’s arently dohat Rainy has couides her into his cabin It’s as close to private as any space on the sub

Without preamble he says, “You know, of course, that this mission is absolutely mad”

Rainy frowns and says nothing

“It’s hardly unique War is a series of foolish enterprises and a study of history is not reassuring on that score I will tell you that thiswoster—”

“I don’t believe my sex has—”

He cuts her off with an abrupt chop of his hand “I’ man in the identical position I would still say that this is a reckless and foolish mission”

Rainy actually takes a step back, which brings her up against a cabinet Even commanders have cramped quarters in a sub She starts to defend her ht

That’s the daht

“Of course it is understood that I aer says with a hint of irony “But not everyone in this war has his eye equally fixed on the larger objective, or on the lives of the men—or women—under their command Many officers are more interested in their careers”

She nods slowly and she agrees, but she is not ready to agree openly She’s a soldier on a mission She has orders She has no choice now, no easy way out

He nods briskly “Well, we shall sube shortly and—”

Several things happen at once The klaxon brays A young officer sticks his head in the cabin, excited “Contact, sir!” Alger spins away, and Rainy follows hie, drawn by the excitement

“Commander!” The sonar operator pulls one headphone back and half turns “Screws closing fast!”

Rainy is instantly forgotten