“Why should you doubt them?”

“There are several reasons, my dear,” he sighed. “At least one of which, I am informed, you are already aware of. I wish you wouldn’t try to bandy words with me. You openly brandish a forbidden import, Terran tobacco, in full view of several police. Not only do they not take you into custody, they studiously ignore you! This brands you as something other than what you claim to be. You might still be the same person your Ident claims, but I doubt it. In any case, I doubt your avowed purpose in coming here completely, wholly, instinctively.

“A false identity, influence of a high order with the police, coupled with interest in a truly rare drug only recently available again on the market, add up to more than a wealthy flit out for a new thrill. Your Ident and credit slip appear to be perfectly legitimate, and I assure you they have been gone over by experts. This makes you doubly suspect; such things are obscenely difficult to forge. Work of such a high order few organizations can afford. Governments are among these. A very few of my competitors, too. But they are not usually so subtle in their method. When they seek information they are more apt to send a dozen inquirers with persuasions of explosive mien. This leaves us where? Back with governments again. Now, I dislike bureaucrats on principle. If so, I dislike you. Anyone who interferes in the business affairs of a simple old man I dislike!

“I especially dislike pretty tourists who can throw a side-kick capable of breaking a man’s leg, from a sitting position, no less. I think if you weren’t tied down you might even try to break mine. Being an old man, I’d crack very easily. My bones are brittle, I’m afraid. Everywhere but my head. Perhaps you represent even more than our local police, umm? The Commonwealth, mayhap? Or even the Church?”

Kitten feigned a long sigh. “Old man, you have a maniac imagination. Or possibly it’s simple senility.”

Rose’s expression did not change. “You’re as feisty as you are lovely. I’d rather not ruin one to modify the other. And you may be right about my imagination. I’m using it right now. I’ll keep on using it until you tell me what I have to know. The same will apply to your short friend.” He gestured in Porsupah’s direction.

“Perhaps you, Tolian, are more inclined to answer a few questions?”

“I vow vengeance!” Porsupah shouted. “Vengeance, when my family learns of this! You will wish we were merely government puppets! My great Uncle is the second most powerful metals manufacturer on—!”

Rose was shaking his head slowly. “Such fine acting! Still, there is always the long, long chance that you are who you claim to be. That your ease with tobacco was due merely to ignorance all around, or some fantastic bribes in the proper places. In that case, I will later apologize profusely for what I am about to have done. For now, I would rather proceed.”