Chapters 22 and 23 Summary and Analysis

Chapter 22, p. 345—It is the end of the summer, and Ace Lyons has just been promoted to head the Navy's Pacific Command. Ironically, this sets up Ace Lyons for his downfall, and removes Richard's protection from the Navy bureaucracy. Richard does not realize that he is in trouble, as his Red Cell runs a mission to test President Ronald Reagan's security around his Santa Barbara California ranch. There the Red Cell tests the security of Commander Gordy Nagakawa's nearby Point Mugu Naval Air Station. Red Cell's Mr. Pooster gets a bicycle and rides along all the small roads and paths around the base, doing reconnaissance. The men check out the bars, while others peel base stickers off of cars in the parking lot, preparing their infiltration.

Lt. Trailer Court gets in the base gate with phony ID and...