t her know
what I'm doing, and that I _will_ contact her as soon as I possibly
can.' End of quote."

"That was all?" asked Trigger.

"Yes."

"He didn't say a thing about how long this situation might continue?"

"No. I've given you the message word for word. My memory is excellent,
Trigger."

"So it could be more weeks? Or months?"

"Yes. Possibly. I imagine...." Plemponi had begun to perspire.

"Plemp," said Trigger, "will you give Holati a message from me?"

"Gladly!" said Plemponi. "What--oh, oh!" He flushed.

"Right," said Trigger. "You can contact him. I thought so."

Doctor Plemponi looked reproachful. "That was unfair, Trigger! You're
quick-witted."

Trigger shrugged. "I can't see any justification for all this mystery,
that's all." She stood up. "Anyway, here's the message. Tell him that
unless somebody--rather promptly--gives me a good sane reason for
hanging around here, I'll ask Precol to transfer me back to the Manon
job."

Plemponi tut-tutted gloomily. "Trigger," he said, "I'll do my best about
the message. But otherwise--"

She smiled nicely at him. "I know," she said, "your lips are sealed.
Sorry if I've disturbed you, Plemp. But I'm just a Precol employee,
after all. If I'm to waste their time, I'd like to know at least why
it's necessary."

Plemponi watched her walk out of the room and off down the adjoining
hall. In his face consternation struggled with approval.

"Lovely little figure, hasn't she?" he said to Mihul. He made vague
curving motions in the air with one hand, more or less opposing ones
with the other. "That sort of an up-and-sideways lilt when she walks."

"Uh-huh," said Mihul. "Old goats."

"Eh?" said Doctor Plemponi.

"I overheard you discussing Trigger's lilt with Mantelish."

Plemponi sat down at his desk. "You shouldn't eavesdrop, Mihul," he said
severely. "I'd better get that message promptly to Tate, I suppose. She
meant what she said, don't you think?"

"Every bit of it," said Mihul.

"Tate warned me she might get very difficult about this time. She's too
conscientious, I feel."

"She also," said Mihul, "has a boy friend in the Manon System. They've
been palsy ever since they went through the school here together."

"Ought to get married then," Plemponi said. He shuddered. "My blood runs
cold every time I think of how close those grabbers got to her
yesterday!"

Mihul shrugged. "Relax! They never had a chance. The characters Tate has
guarding her ar