n times, on his way over to keep his appointment with the official,
Ronny had to step into doorways, or in other wise make himself
inconspicuous. Gangs of demonstrators roamed the street, some of them
drunken, looking for trouble, and scornful of police or the military.
Twice, when it looked as though he might be roughed up, Ronny drew his gun
and held it in open sight, ready for use, but not threateningly. The
demonstrators made off.

His throat was dry by the time he reached his destination. The life of a
Section G agent, on interplanetary assignment, had its drawbacks.

The Sub-Bishop had formerly been in charge of Interplanetary
Communications which involved commerce as well as intercourse with United
Planets. It must have been an ultra-responsible position only a month ago.
Now his offices were all but deserted.

He looked at Ronny's badge, only vaguely interested. "Section G of the
Bureau of Investigation," he said. "I don't believe I am aware of your
responsibilities. However," he nodded with sour courtesy, "please be
seated. You must forgive my lack of ability to offer refreshment. Isn't
there an old tradition about rats deserting a sinking ship? I am afraid my
former assistants had rodentlike instincts."

Ronny said, "Section G deals with Interplanetary Security, sir--"

"I am addressed as Holiness," the other said.

Ronny looked at him. "Sorry," he said. "I am a citizen of the United
Planets, not any one planet, even Earth. UP citizens have complete
religious freedom. In my case I am unaffiliated with any church."

The Sub-Bishop let it pass. He said sourly, "I am afraid that even here on
New Delos, I am seldom honoured by my title any more. Go on, you say you
deal with Interplanetary Security."

"That's correct. In cases like this we're interested in checking to see if
there is any possibility that citizens of planets other than New Delos are
involved in your internal affairs."

The other's eyes were suddenly slits. He said, heavily, "You suspect that
David the One was assassinated by an alien?"

Ronny had to tread carefully here. "I make no such suggestion. I am merely
here to check on the possibility. If such was the case, my duty would be
to arrest the man, or men."

"If we got hold of him, you'd have small chance of asserting your
authority," the priest growled. "What did you want to know?"

"I understand that no interplanetary craft have left New Delos since the
assassination."

"None exce