n that line.
But whatever it is, they'll be able to handle it."

Trigger moistened her lips, "I was thinking, you know," she said.
"Supposing I'm mind-blocked."

He shook his head. "I can tell you that, anyway," he said. "We already
know you're not."

Trigger was silent a moment. Then she said, "After that interview's
over, I'm to ship out to Manon--is that it?"

"That's right."

"But it would depend on the outcome of that interview too, wouldn't it?"
Trigger pointed out. "I mean you can't really be sure what those people
might decide, can you?"

"Yes, I can," he said. "This thing's been all scheduled out, Trigger.
And the next step of the schedule for you is Manon. Nothing else."

She didn't believe him in the least. He couldn't know. She nodded.

"Guess I might as well play along." She looked at him. "I don't think I
really had much choice, did I?"

"Afraid not," he admitted. "It's one of those things that just have to
be done. But you won't find it all bad. Your companion, by the way, for
the next three days will be Mihul."

"Mihul!" Trigger exclaimed.

"Right there," said Mihul's voice. Trigger swung around in her chair.
Mihul stood in a door which had appeared in the full wall of the room.
She gave Trigger a smile. Trigger looked back at the Commissioner.

"I don't get it," she said.

"Oh, Mihul's in Scout Intelligence," he said, "wouldn't be here if she
weren't."

"Been an agent for eighteen years," Mihul said, coming forward. "Hi,
Trigger, surprised?"

"Yes," Trigger admitted. "Very."

"They brought me into this job," Mihul said, "because they figured you
and I would get along together just fine."

9

It was really infernally bad luck! Mihul was going to be the least easy
of wardens to get away from ... particularly in time to catch a liner
tomorrow night. Mihul knew her much too well.

"Like to come along and meet your facsimile now?" Mihul inquired. She
grinned. "Most people find the first time quite an experience."

Trigger stood up resignedly. "All right," she said. They were being
polite about it, but it was clear that it was still a cop and prisoner
situation. And old friend Mihul! She remembered something then. "I
believe Major Quillan has my gun."

He looked at her thoughtfully, not smiling. "No," he said. "Gave it to
Mihul."

"That's right," said Mihul. "Let's go, kid."

They went out through the door that had appeared in the wall. It closed
again behind them.

T