"Stop playing games with me, Sozier," Retief rapped. "There's a
squadron of Peace Enforcers standing by just in case any apprentice
statesmen forget the niceties of diplomatic usage. I suggest you start
showing a little intelligence about now, or even Horny and Pud are
likely to notice."
* * * * *
Sozier's fingers squeaked on the arms of his chair. He swallowed.
"You might start by assigning me an escort for a conducted tour of
the capital," Retief went on. "I want to be in a position to confirm
that order has been re-established, and that normal services have been
restored. Otherwise it may be necessary to send in a Monitor Unit to
straighten things out."
"You know you can't meddle with the internal affairs of a sovereign
world!"
Retief sighed. "The trouble with taking over your boss's job is
discovering its drawbacks. It's disillusioning, I know, Sozier, but--"
"All right! Take your tour! You'll find everything running as smooth as
silk! Utilities, police, transport, environmental control--"
"What about Space Control? Glave Tower seems to be off the air."
"I shut it down. We don't need anything and we don't want anything from
the outside."
"Where's the new Premier keeping himself? Does he share your passion
for privacy?"
The general got to his feet. "I'm letting you take your look, Mr.
Big Nose. I'm giving you four hours. Then out! And the next meddling
bureaucrat that tries to cut atmosphere on Glave without a clearance
gets burned!"
"I'll need a car."
"Jake! You stick close to this bird. Take him to the main power plant,
the water works and the dispatch center. Ride him around town and show
him we're doing okay without a bunch of leeches bossing us. Then dump
him at the port--and see that he leaves."
"I'll plan my own itinerary, thanks. I can't promise I'll be finished
in four hours--but I'll keep you advised."
"I warned you--"
"I heard you. Five times. And I only warned you once. You're getting
ahead of me." Retief rose, motioned to the hulking guard. "Come on,
Jake. We've got a lot of ground to cover before we come back for our
dinner."