“You, uh, didn’t stay long on Sibylla then.”

“Long enough.”

“Well.” He straightened. The remembered chuckle sounded in his throat. “Quite a surprise, son, quite a surprise. But pleasant.” He thrust out his hand. I took it. His clasp was firm. “And how are your shipmates?”

“Very well, thank you, the last I saw. The Bering has left again. Further study of the Delta Eridani System. The third planet looks promising, but its ecology is peculiar and—” I realized I was chattering to avoid speaking truth. “I stayed,” I said, “since I was in charge of our investigation on the ground and drafted our report. Citizen d’Indre wanted me for a consultant when you arrived.”

“I’m sorry if you missed going on account of us.”

“No matter. I’m in line for a command of my own.” That was true, but I said it merely to cheer him a little. “How are your people doing?”

“Okay to date.” Brenner didn’t seem in need of consolation, now that he had gotten over his surprise. I don’t suppose anyone grew old on Sibylla who couldn’t land on his feet when the floor caved in. He drew a breath and gave that straight-in-the-eye look which he had once described as Horsetrader’s Honest Expression Number Three. “ ’Course,” he said, “we wonder a wee bit why we’re held incommunicado and till when.”

“That has to be decided,” I said. “What happens tonight could be pivotal.”

“Don’t the proles know we’re here?”

“Nothing except rumors. Your story has to be handled like fulminate. You can’t imagine how restless those billions there are.” My hand swept an arc around the city. It growled and grumbled. “The original news, nonhuman vessels attacking Sibylla, was let out with infinite care, and only because it couldn’t be suppressed. Considering that they seemed to have faster-than-light travel, and something like gravity control, the way you told it, the photographs you transmitted—Panic can bring riot, insurrection.” I paused. “So can rage.”

“Um. Yeh.” The lines deepened around Brenner’s mouth, but somehow he kept his tone easy. “Well, what say we get on with it?…Oh, almost forgot.” He stooped to pick up the cigar. “Soldier gave me some o’ these. Friendly taste. No tobacco on our planet, you recall. We’d everything we could do to raise enough food to keep alive.”

My gullet tightened. “Put that thing away!” I exclaimed. “Over the side with it! Don’t you understand who we’re about to see? Jules d’Indre, Minister of Extraterrestrial Affairs. What he recommends be done about you, the Director is almost sure to decree. I warn you, Brenner, be careful!”

He regarded me a while before he obeyed. His next words were astonishing. “Did that girl who traveled with you, Laurie MacIver, did she ship out in the Bering?”

“Why yes.”

“Too bad.” He spoke softly, and for a moment laid his hand on my shoulder. “I think you want to help us, son, according to your lights. But she had something extra. You know the word simpático?”