Book 2, Chapters 18-19 Summary

Only later does Davis learn the question about police and military is a plant by LaJoie's stooges. The diplomatic corps wants to look over the Loonies. Prof warns Davis to drop Loonie idioms, speak Standard English, assume important-looking Dr. Chan is no fool and not friendly, and make the last word of his speech "India." Skipping formalities, Davis tells Chan that an "escape-speed induction catapult" is the key to cheap shipping. Two large firms are ready to finance it, but need a land concession. They favor India, which interests Chan. India consumes 93.1% of Lunar grain shipments, has labor and materials available, and, most critically has a means of getting the point of ejection above the thick atmosphere. Nanda Devi is 8,000 m. high, faces west, and has good logistics at the base. The higher the elevation, the better; it can...