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The room fell silent for several moments Then Oates murmured reverently "God, the potential is inconceivable"

CIA Director Brogan leaned over the table "Any chance the Russians may be onto a similar instrument?"

Sandecker shook his head "I don't think so Until a few h energy bea from scratch, they'd need a decade to catch up"

"One question that needs answering," said Mercier "Why the Labrador Sea? Why didn't you test the Doodlebug on our own continental shelf"

"I thought it best to conduct the trials in an isolated area far fro traffic"

"But why so close to the Canadian shore?"

"The Doodlebug stumbled on indications of oil"

"Oil?"

"Yes, the trail appeared to lead toward the Hudson Strait north of Newfoundland I gave the order for the Doodlebug to deviate froinal course and follow the scent into Canadian waters The responsibility for the loss of a very dear friend, his crew and the research vessel is mine and mine alone

No one else is to blame"

An aide entered the room like a wraith and offered coffee When he reached Sandecker he laid a note at his elbow It read,

URGENT I SEE YOU

Giordino

"If Ia short interruption," said Sandecker "I believe one of edy" The President gave hi look and nodded in the direction of the doorway "Of course Please have him join us"

Giordino was shown into the cabinet roohthouse