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"Perhaps I should explain that," Sandecker said, "since I was on the aircraft Dirk shot down"

"I realize we're pressed for time, but I'd be interested to hear that tale," said Oates

Sandecker nodded agreeably "My staff and I were flying on a twin turboprop transport fro Unknown to us, the field ere supposed to land on was overrun by North Vietnaulars Our radioDirk was flying nearby, returning to his base fro mission The local commander directed him to intercept and alert us by whatever means available" Sandecker looked over at Pitt and smiled

"I have to say he tried everything short of a neon sign He played charades frouns across our nose, but nothing penetrated our thick skulls When ere on our final landing approach, co in from the sea toward the airstrip, in what has to be a rare exhibition of precision aerialmy pilot to ditch our plane in the water only oneene out from the beach, until everyone was taken aboard a Navy patrol vessel After learning that he saved ood friends

Several years later, when President Ford asked me to launch NUMA, I persuaded Dirk to join me"

Oates looked at Pitt through bemused eyes "You lead

an interesting life I envy you"

Before Pitt could reply, Alan Mercier said, "I'm sure Mr Pitt is curious e asked him here"

"I'm well aware of the reason," Pitt said

He looked from man to man They all looked like they hadn't slept in a month At last he addressed himself directly to Oates "I knoas responsible for the theft and subsequent spill of Nerve Agent S into the Gulf of Alaska" He spoke slowly and distinctly "I knoho co the presidential yacht and its passengers I know the identities of those passengers and why they were abducted And lastly, I knoho sabotaged the Leonin Andreyev, killing two hundred uesswork on my part The facts and evidence are rock Solid"

The room took on an alhtest attempt to speak Pitts statement had stunned theht expression on his face Fawcett clasped his hands to conceal his nervousness

Oates appeared dazed

Brogan was the first to question Pitt "Ito the Russians?"

"No, sir, I am not"

"No chance you're mistaken?" asked Mercier