Chapter 20 Coming Down to Earth

Frederick Gray moved down the long corridor feeling pleased with himself.

How fortunate that he, a key member of Her Majesty's Government,

should have found himself within easy reach of Houston at this time.

He tried not to look too obviously at the camera crew who

were filming as they retreated down the corridor before him. His picture appearing all over the world.

What a well-deserved boost to his career. With the PM's health in question and no successor

immediately recognisable in a divided cabinet, The opportunities for self-advancement

were obvious. Frederick Gray, the man on the spot. All glory attached to Britain's

unexpected space coup would adhere to him. With Em and his Mermodons safely ensconced in London, he would be seen as the trenchant mastermind behind Britain's involvement, which of course was just. He had pressed for the best man to be put on the job, and this fellow Bond seemed to have delivered the goods.

"'Hold it just there, gentlemen.' The cameraman held up his hand and the

phalanx stopped obediently. Camera's word, Frederick Gray saw the microphone boom above his head.

He began to speak with the slow, pompous delivery that had bored millions of television viewers.

A great day for Anglo-American cooperation and a great day for the world.

The general, whose name he had not caught, looked at him in surprise.

Yeah.

He moved from behind the shoulder that Grey had thrust in front of him and addressed the

camera crew.

"'We are going into mission control now. I would appreciate it if you were to keep behind the

prescribed limits and not crowd us. Thank you.' An armed guard in white helmet and gaiters swung

open the door, and Gray stepped forward smartly. At first glance he appeared to have walked

into a theatre, but there were rows of consoles instead of seats. Where the stage would be was an

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