“I participated in the—uh, program, sir.“
“Good. Then I needn’t tell you. Something was found in Margot Dennison’s apartment. Something of immense importance. Something so important that, if used properly, it can assure Irwadi the dominant place in the galaxy for all time to come.“
“But I thought Irwadi craved isolation—“
“Isolation, Chind? To be sure, if intercourse with the other galactic powers saw us at the bottom of the heap. But at the top—who would crave isolation at the top?“
“I see, sir. And the something that was found needed a scientist?“
“Very perceptive of you, Chind. Precisely. It was a letter. We copied it. Of course, Margot Dennison knows more than what is in the letter; the letter alludes to previous information. We need Dennison and Ramsey. We have to let them go ahead with their plans. Then we follow them, Chind. You understand?“
“Yes, sir.“
“You’re a good policeman, Chind. The best we have, I understand. You’ll be going with me—on the most important assignment you or any Irwadian ever had.“
“I am grateful, sir, that you consider me—“
“Now, see about that U-235 slow-implosion capsule.“