inch of it-yes, and probed through the ice with radar. At least we improved our maps of the rocky surface under the ice. The Bolo isn't there. What's that? Space? I suppose so. If it could levitate out of a military reservation to God-knows-where, I suppose it could just as easily go into orbit.
121
(from the EMPIRE TODAY breakfast trideocast)
The former Queen's Park, an ongoing bone of contention between local residents-many of them high-level Imperial officials-and the Department of Public Works, due to an extraordinary overgrowth of vegetation, has now been razed, excavated to a depth of six feet, refilled with sterile soil, and is under observation to be certain that the curious phenomenon has been completely curtailed, a Departmental spokesman says. Weeds which sprouted during the refill process appear normal, it was reported unofficially. No decision has yet been announced as to whether the area will be restored to its former condition as a public park. At present, it remains a Defense Department reserve.
122
(dictation taped from Georgius Imperator to his private secretary)
…and the next note: 'for the personal attention of His Imperial Highness, General of the Army, Prince of the West, William, et cetera, et cetera.'… Willy's a touchy devil, wouldn't do to skimp on his style… 'Willy, I want some definite answers on the matter before the big shindig-'… no, don't say that. Better make it the Imperial Honors Ball… '-on Saturday next. I'd like to be able to hand you the Parliamentary Medal of Honor for at least finding the damned thing, if not neutralizing it. I still say it's acting in the best interest of the Empire, but I agree, we do need to know what's going on. George.'… Clean that up and get it to him right away, whether he's at his Swiss retreat or asleep at Windsor, or whatever. Do it!
123
(field agent, southwest sector, to Imperial Intelligence)
It's only an idea, maybe no good. But if the Bolo Caesar has found out about the big lift-flat still in storage here at Mojave-sure, it's under tight security, but the Bolo could have deduced its existence through Information access- well, maybe it'll head for here.
124
I do not like it: it has the appearance of a trap. Yet I must proceed.
125
(First Secretary, Imperial Accounting Office, to Cabinet Council)
'I know it sounds ridiculous, but I assure your lordships I'd never have opened my mouth if I hadn't had proof. It's right here. General Enterprises is the Bolo CSR. There's nothing actually mysterious about it-incorporation papers, sales and purchases of stocks, loans floated, properties purchased-they're all documented, all perfectly legal.
'We've found, in general, a concern with natural resources. The corporation has arranged the diversion of no less than seven minor rivers in the past three years, built a number of power dams, launched assorted obscure mining ventures, without any discernible pattern.
'Always shows a modest profit, but it's clearly not interested in piling up funds, just enough to keep operating.
'No, sir, we can't just close it down. In the first place, we have no legitimate grounds. General Enterprises is a corporation. A corporation is a legal entity, and we can't in effect order the death penalty in the absence of evidence of wrongdoing. In addition, the economic impact would be disastrous just now. My recommendation is to let it alone but monitor all its activities closely.'
126
(News Service report)
We have been advised by the Space Arm that by some undisclosed means the giant Bolo CSR, nicknamed Caesar, which had eluded all attempts to neutralize it, or even simply to find it, in a daring midnight raid entered Mojave Central and took possession of the space flat specially designed for use in an emergency to loft the immense machine into near-Earth orbit.
Speculation as to the reason for this move is rife, but observers agree that it must be the intention of the machine to leave the planet although, experts point out, it will be unable to reach escape velocity from the Earth- Luna system, and can, at best, occupy a Trojan position to orbit this planet. Further details are expected for our midnight bulletin.
127
(eyewitness to the Bolo's raid at Mojave Center)
'I tell you, one second the ramp was empty, and the next there it was, big as a barn and kind of making a humming sound, showing no lights, but she knew I was there, all right. Swung out to go around me just as polite as you please, and pushed over the blockhouse like it was made of cardboard. I didn't see what it did next because, believe me, I was hauling ass out of there as fast as I could. If I hadn't of tripped over that cable, I wouldn't of seen it take off. Went up like a three-ton side-boat. I watched it until I couldn't see it no more, but I say keep calm, don't worry, the Bolo ain't going to hurt nobody- not after the way it took care not to squash me, and I ain't nobody at all.'
