oing
to be able to teach him anything, but it was possible to learn from him."

Ronny grunted his disgust. "What could we possibly learn from him?"

Tog said mildly, "We could learn what people of the street were thinking.
It might give us some ideas about what direction the new government will
take."

They approached the portals of the building and were halted by an armed
Space Forces guard of half a dozen men. Their sergeant saluted, taking in
their obvious other-planet clothing.

"Identifications, please," he said briskly.

They showed their badges and were passed on through. Ronny said to him,
"Much trouble, sergeant?"

The other shrugged. "No. Just precautions, sir. We've been here only three
or four weeks. Civil disturbance. We're used to it. Were over on Montezuma
two basic months ago. Now there was _real_ trouble. Had to shoot our way
out."

Tog called, "Coming Ronny? I have this elevator waiting."

He followed her, scowling. An idea was trying to work its way through.
Somehow he missed getting it.

Headquarters of the Department of Justice were on the eighth floor. A
receptionist clerk led them through three or four doors to the single
office which housed Section G.

A red eyed, exhausted agent looked up from the sole desk and snarled a
question at them. Ronny didn't get it, but Tog said mildly, "Probationary
Agent Ronald Bronston and Tog Lee Chang Chu. On special assignment." She
flicked open her badge so that the other could see it.

His manner changed. "Sorry," he said, getting up to shake hands. "I'm
Mouley Hassan, in charge of Section G on New Delos. We've just had a
crisis here, as you can imagine. The worst of it's now over." He added
sourly, "I hope. All my assistants have already taken off for Avalon." He
was a short statured, dark complected man, his features betraying his
Semitic background.

Ronny shook hands with him and said, "Sorry to bother you at a time like
this."

They found chairs and Mouley Hassan flicked a key on his order box and
said to them, "How about a drink? They make a wonderful sparkling wine on
this planet. Trust any theocracy to have top potables."

Ronny accepted the offer, Tog refused it politely. She sat demurely, her
hands in her lap.

Mouley Hassan ran a weary hand through already mussed hair. "What's this
special assignment you're on?"

Ronny said, "Commissioner Metaxa has sent me looking for Tommy Paine."

"Tommy Paine!" the other blurted. "At a time