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authorities wouldn't move in quickly if there were any overt violations of the law, but, because votes are important, those in charge of our destinies rule from behind. They sense the wind of public opinion, then enact acceptable legislation and adopt correspondingly safe attitudes. Whatever happens, they're not going to antagonize those who keep them in power. They are not, with the public's eye on both them and us, going to come and hold our hands because of any anonymous threat by some anonymous crackpot."
    Mackenzie said, "So it amounts to this. until actual sabotage occurs, you can expect no outside help. So far as preventive measures are concerned, you're dependent solely upon Bronowski and his security teams. In effect, you're on your own."
    "It's an unhappy thought, but there it is."
    Dermott stood up and walked back and forth. "Accepting this threat as real, who's behind it and what does he want? Not a crackpot, that's sure. If it were, say, some environmentalist running amok, he'd go ahead and do his damnedest without any prior warning. No, could be with a view to extortion or blackmail, which do not have to be the same thing. Extortion would be for money; blackmail could have many different purposes in mind. Stopping the flow of oil is unlikely to be that primary purpose. More likely, it'll be a stoppage for another and more important purpose. Money, politics -- local or international -- power, misguided idealism, genuine idealism or just crackpot irresponsibility. Well, I'm afraid speculation will have to wait on developments. Meantime, Mr. Finlayson, I'd like to see Bronowski as soon as possible."
    "I told you, he has business to finish. He'll be flying up in a few hours."
    "Ask him to fly up now, please."
    "Sorry. Bronowski's his own man. Overall, he's answerable to me, but not in field operations. He'd walk out if I tried to usurp his authority. Unless he had the power to act independently, he'd be effectively hamstrung. You don't hire a dog and bark yourself."
    "I don't think you quite understand. Mr. Mackenzie and I have not only been promised total co-operation, we've been empowered to direct security measures if, in our judgement, such extreme measures are dictated by circumstances."
    Finlayson's Yukon beard still masked his expression, but there was no mistaking the disbelief in his voice. "You mean, take over from Bronowski?"
    "If, again in our judgement, he's good enough, we just sit by the sidelines and advise. If not, we will exercise the authority invested in us."
    "Invested by whom? This is preposterous. I will not, I cannot permit it. You walk in here and imagine -- no, no way. I have received no such directive."
    "Then I suggest you seek such a directive, or confirmation of it, immediately."
    "From whom?"
    "The grand panjandrums, as you call them."
    "London?" Dermott said nothing. "That's for Mr. Black."
    Dermott remained silent.
    "General manager, Alaska."
    Dermott nodded at the three telephones on Finlayson's desk. "He's as far away as one of those."
    "He's out of state. He's visiting our offices in Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles. At what times and in what order I don't know. I do know he'll be back in Anchorage at noon tomorrow."
    "Are you telling me that is the soonest you can -- or will -- contact him?"
    "Yes."
    "You could phone those offices."
    "I've told you, I don't know where he'd be. Ht could be at some other place altogether. Like as not, he's in the air."
    "You could try, couldn't you?" Finlayson remained silent and Dermott spoke again. "You could call London direct."
    "You don't know much about the hierarchy in oil companies, do you?"
    "No. But I know this." Now Dermott's customary geniality was gone. "You're a considerable disappointment, Finlayson. You are, or very well may be, in serious trouble. In the circumstances, one does not expect an executive in top management to resort to stiff outrage and wounded pride. You've got your priorities wrong, my friend -- the good of the