dly--spend what you like and always carry
quite a bit with you for emergencies. Live well, although not
extravagantly unless the occasion of your work demands it. Not to save
money, but to remain as inconspicuous as possible."

"The Service has it all thought out, hasn't it?" Admiration shone in the
young lieutenant's eyes.

"They've had a lot of years for it, Spence. Now, there's another means
of contact, for cases of emergency. Get word to, or an interview with,
any officer of the rank of Rear Admiral or above. The words 'Andromeda
Seven' are the passwords to let him know who and what you are. Once
you've made that contact, commandeer anything or any service needed to
assist your work."

"I understand, sir." Hanlon strained to review all this new knowledge
quickly. Then, "I'm sure I have it all. Get civilian kit; hotel room;
stocks and insurance; deposit boxes--my own and 1044; sleep-learn
Simonidean; 'Andromeda Seven'."

"Correct. Now, you'll be interested in a little of the background of the
Secret Service. It was John Snyder himself who organized it, shortly
after the formation of the Snyder Patrol. He realized almost at once
that such an unknown, undercover echelon would be a must. There's
usually not more than two hundred of us. New members are taken in only
as replacements, or when some Corpsman with a special ability, such as
your mind-reading, is discovered.

"We work anywhere throughout space when there's a need, but there are
usually one or two of us on each planet of the Federation at all times.
When not on any special assignment we keep busy on some planet not our
original home, checking the background of cadets or especially-appointed
government workers, guarding VIP's, and such other vital matters. But
whatever we are, or whatever we are doing, we _are_ the Corps!

"We are mighty proud of the fact that no SS man has ever betrayed
his trust, even to save his life. Our work is dangerous in the
extreme, but without exception we are all men with high mental
ability--quick-thinking, clever, and unusually adept at getting out of
scrapes." He grimaced mirthlessly. "We learn that last mighty quick in
this business ... if we last.

"And to all of us, our dangerous, unadvertised, publicly unrecognized
work is personally highly satisfying. We know we are the guardians of
the peace of the Federation, even though we get no hero-worship from the
populace who don't know we exist."

Hanlon nodded slowly, thoug