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"Do we have a problem?" Hollis asked the Captain about as charitably as a sidewillder eyeing a gopher

The Captain's mouth dropped open and his awked at Hollis n of rank

"Who are you?" he blurted "What is your outfit?"

"Colonel Morton Hollis, Special Operations Forces"

"Captain Louis Cranston, sir, 486th Engineering Battalion"

Salutes were exchanged Hollis nodded toward the line of engineers, their autoive the order for your men to stand at rest"

Cranston was unsure what to make of an unfamiliar colonel who appeared out of nowhere "May I ask, Colonel, what a Special Forces officer is doing here?"

"Seeing that these people are allowed to conduct an archaeological survey without interference"

"I must remind you, sir, civilians are not permitted in a restricted military zone"

"Suppose I told you they have the authority to be here"

"Sorry, Colonel I am under direct orders from General Chandler He was very explicit No one, and that includes yourself, sir, who is not a member of the battalion is to be allowed to enter-"

"Am I to understand you intend to throw me out as well?"

"If you can't present signed orders from General Chandler for your presence," Cranston said nervously, "I will obey my instructions"

"Your hardnose position won't win you any medals, Captain I think you'd better reconsider"

Cranston knew da toyed with and he didn't like it