The Commissioner knew. They'd stopped in at the system check station three days before. The ship was clean. "Their missionaries all go armed, of course; but that's their privilege by treaty. They've been browsing around and going hither and yon in skiffs. The ship's been in orbit till this morning."
"Think they're here in connection with whatever Balmordan is up to?" Trigger inquired.
"We'll take that for granted. Balmordan, by the way, attended a big shindig on the Pluly yacht yesterday. Unless his tail goofed, he's still up there, apparently staying on as a guest."
"Are you having these other Devagas watched?"
"Not individually. Too many of them, and they're scattered all over the place. Mantelish got back. He checked in an hour ago."
"You mean he's upstairs in his quarters now?" she asked.
"Right. He had a few more crates hauled into the lab, and he's locked himself in with them and spy-blocked the place. May have got something important, and may just be going through one of his secrecy periods again. We'll find out by and by. Oh, and here's a social note. The First Lady of Tranest is shopping in the Grand Commerce Center this morning."
"Well, that should boost business," said Trigger. "Are you going to be back in the dome by lunchtime?"
"I think so. Might have some interesting news, too, incidentally."
"Fine," she said. "See you then."