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.....
