[Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from
Astounding Science-Fiction, December 1946.
Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that
the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.]
Lieutenant Jeffries blinked at his superior. "I appreciate the
compliment," he said dryly. "For which thanks. But what happens if I
don't produce?"
His superior, Captain Edwards of the Solar Police, smiled vaguely.
"I have a dual purpose," he said. "First-off, you need a vacation of
sorts. Knowing you as I do, I know that sheer vacation would bring
about seventeen kinds of psychoneuroses, some mental aberrations, and
possible revolt. However, this job is unattached."
"Unattached?" gasped Jeffries.
"Uh-huh. You have six months in which to track down, and/or procure
evidence which will result in the identification, arrest, and
conviction of the man known as Black Morgan, the Pirate."
"I ... ah--?"
"This is your only order. You will not be called upon to do anything
else for six months. If at the end of that time you bring about such
evidence, et cetera, you will be promptly promoted. If you do not, we
will not hold it against you, for all of us have tried and all of us
have failed. I'll not punish a man for failing to do that which I have
been unable to do. You're an excellent officer, Jeffries, and you've
earned a rest. You are now on unattached duty, and can command anything
that your job requires, providing your weekly report to this office
justifies the expense."