Part 30 (1/2)

”Advance, one, to be recognized.”

Hense sighed and stepped forward, then halted again at the guard's command.

The man flashed a light on him, then raised his weapon to his face and snapped it to the raise position again.

”I recognize you, sir. Any special instructions?”

”None. Just continue on your post.”

Inwardly, Hense was reaching the boiling point. That hadn't been what he'd intended to say, dammit! He----

”Pardon, sir,” the guard was saying, ”but how about this man here?”

Now, Hense realized, there must be something really going on. Dream creatures just couldn't walk out of a man's mind and show up in front of an alert guard. Or had he completely lost gyro synch? He----

Michaels broke in again. ”It's all right, guard. Just continue on your post. And keep an especially sharp lookout from now on.”

”Yes, sir.” The guard snapped his weapon up to his face again, then holstered it and turned to continue his tour.

Hense looked after him.

It wasn't a dream. It was a nightmare.

He resumed his pacing, toward the Residence.

”Oh, well,” he thought resignedly, ”might as well relax and enjoy it.

Wonder what'll happen next.”

Commissioner Jackson himself came to the door.

”What was that fire, lieutenant?” he demanded. He noticed Michaels.

”And what have we here?” He drew his head back a little, frowning.

Don interrupted. ”Are you Commissioner Jackson?”

”Yes. But----”

”Good! Here, take this.” Don shoved the book out. ”And let's go into your office.”

Benton Jackson looked incredulously at the figure before him. He reached out and accepted the book, then turned.

”Another of those!” he said softly.

Hense followed them inside. There were, he was discovering, peculiar things about this dream business. He had completed his mission. He hadn't been dismissed. But he could wait here, or he could tag along and see what happened.

”Well, now,” he told himself. ”Things are looking up.”