The Dragon in the Sea Read Free

escaped combat?”
    Old school tie, thought Ramsey. He turned his telemeter
box until one flat surface faced the commodore, squinted at the officer over it. When in doubt , fire a broadside .
    â€œEvery man we preserve for combat brings victory that much nearer,” said Ramsey.
    The commodore’s leathery face grew dark.
    â€œMr. Ramsey has a special combination of training—psychology and electronics—which have made him too valuable to risk,” said Dr. Oberhausen. “He has made only the most essential cruises—such as that with the Dolphin— when that was absolutely required.”
    â€œIf he’s so valuable, why’re we risking him now?” demanded the commodore. “This all seems highly irregular!”
    Admiral Belland sighed, started at the commodore. “The truth is, Lewis, this new emotional-telemetering equipment which Mr. Ramsey developed can be used by others. However, his inventive talents are the very things which make his services so essential at this time.”
    â€œYou may think me rude,” said the commodore, “but I’d like to know also why this young man—if he’s as good as all that—is still”—he flicked a glance at Ramsey’s collar bars—“an ensign.”
    Dr. Oberhausen held up a hand, said, “Permit me, my dear Admiral.” He turned to the commodore. “It is because there are people who resent the fact that I have been able to keep myself and my top department heads out of uniform. There are those who do not see the necessity for this essential separation. It is regrettable, therefore, that those of my people in the lower echelons, who are required to wear uniforms, sometimes find it difficult to gain advancement no matter how talented they may be.”
    The commodore looked as though he were about to explode.

    â€œBy rights,” said Dr. Oberhausen, “Mr. Ramsey should be at least a commodore.”
    Several fits of coughing broke out simultaneously around the table.
    Ramsey suddenly wished he were anywhere else but under the eyes of this commodore. The latter said, “Very well, my objection is withdrawn.” The tone of voice said: I will pass sentence in my own court.
    â€œI have planned,” said Dr. Oberhausen, “upon completion of this mission, to have Mr. Ramsey released from the service and installed as head of a new department devoted to problems of submariners.”
    A harsh smile pulled at the corners of the commodore’s mouth. “If he lives through it,” he said.
    Ramsey swallowed.
    As though he had not heard, Dr. Oberhausen said, “The training will be a problem, but we have five weeks plus the full facilities of BuPsych.”
    Belland heaved his bulk from the chair, stepped to one side. “If there are no more questions, gentlemen, I believe we are all satisfied with Mr. Ramsey.” He glanced at his wrist watch. “The medics are waiting for him now, and he’s going to need every minute of the next five weeks.”
    Ramsey got to his feet, took his telemeter box under his arm, a question in his eyes.
    â€œYou’re also going to be rigged as a walking detection system,” said Belland.
    Dr. Oberhausen appeared to materialize beside Ramsey. “If you’ll come with me, please, John.” He took Ramsey’s arm. “I’ve had the essential material about Commander Sparrow—he’s the captain of this subtug—and the other two crewmen reduced to absolute minimum. We’ve set
aside a special ward at the bureau for you. You’re going to be our prize patient for …”
    Ramsey heard Turner speaking behind him. “Dr. Oberhausen called that ensign John. Is he the Long John Ramsey who …”
    The rest was blurred as Dr. Oberhausen raised his voice. “It’s going to be rough on you, John.” They stepped into the outer corridor. “Your wife has been