Bristling, the undersecretary said, "And call attention to our own incompetence? We'll straighten this matter out by doing what we should have done in the first place—by putting the Potentate on the double-A priority list. Full and immediate delivery under Class B through K schedules."
Mallston started out, but paused at the door. "How about cultural exchange?"
"We'll play it safe by assuming Summerson shot the works in that category too. Round up every uncommitted cultural group in the cluster."
Shaking his head deprecatingly, the twenty-seventh vice-president stood before the desk of the next highest official in the Rear-Sobucks hierarchy.
"Well, Wheeler," V.R. clipped without looking up. "What is it this time?"
"I'm afraid Netath didn't take too kindly to our gesture."
"Netath? Netath?" V.R. milked the name for its significance.
"Ogarm Netath. The prime minister of that Gauyuth place. The automatic bather."
"Oh, that one."