"My pappy used to tell me about this sort of come-in," he said. "Seems
as how he once knew a gent who had piloted one of the old chemical
rockets that used braking ellipses for landings. That was a heck of a
long time ago, before we had power to burn. Anyway, it wasn't expected,
because we succeeded."
"Now what?"
Farradyne tuned the radio to a local broadcast station, and waited,
relaxing in his seat, until the music stopped and the latest news
flashes came on. Then the announcer said, "The system-wide hunt for
Charles Farradyne, the notorious love-lotus operator, still goes on.
The search has been narrowed down to North America because of several
reports, some official and some unofficial, of activity a-space in this
region.
"Farradyne is also to be charged with complicity in the disappearance
of Howard Clevis, high undercover operative for the Sand Office. It
is believed in some circles that Farradyne may be much higher in the
love-lotus ring than a mere handler or distributor. Some officials have
indicated that Farradyne may be Mister Big, himself.
"An early interception and arrest is anticipated. Keep tuned to this
station for the latest news."
The music returned.