"Sure," Manning said. "I suppose it would be all right if I went to prison, or something like that, as long as you're in the clear. Some day, J. Barnaby, I'm going to let you stew in the juice you're always cooking up for me.... What if I can have the Acruxian arrested?" "No," J. Barnaby said explosively. "Unless he's caught red-handed in the commission of a very serious crime, he must not be arrested. It would have to be something so serious that the Acruxian government would have to refuse to recognize him. Any intent will not be enough." "Okay, then. I want you to send a complete visicast crew here at once. They should be here in time to be set up and ready to make a Federation-wide visicast by eight tonight. Then you'll have to clear the time and see to it there are a number of spot announcements concerning a special visicast. We want as wide an audience as possible, especially on Achernar." "I guess that can be done. But it better be worth it. There'll be hell to pay if all that preparation is made and nothing comes of it." "Something will come of it," Manning promised. "Oh, another thing, J. Barnaby. You have any objections to me running for the Senate?" "What? What kind of a hold-up is this? You know very well that the party has made all of its nominations long ago. The elections take place tomorrow—" "Watch your blood pressure," Manning said with a grin. "I meant if I become a candidate for the Senate from Regulus." "What about Xelia Zon?" J. Barnaby asked. "He's no longer in the race. This is part of my plan." J. Barnaby's face was still flushed with suspicion. "All right," he said. "But don't get any ideas—" "How you talk," Manning said and cut the connection. Next he put in a call to Vega. He had her hold young Barnaby up to the screen and listened in delight to the gurgling sounds which seemed perfectly intelligible to him. Then he told her that he'd probably be home some time the following day. "That'll be wonderful, darling," Vega said. "We miss you.... Manning?" "Mmmm?" "No girls?"
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