"Who paid for your potbelly, Sozier?" he inquired carelessly.
Sozier's eyes narrowed to slits. "I could have you shot!"
"Stop playing games with me, Sozier," Retief rapped. "There's a squadron of Peace Enforcers standing by just in case any apprentice statesmen forget the niceties of diplomatic usage. I suggest you start showing a little intelligence about now, or even Horny and Pud are likely to notice."
Sozier's fingers squeaked on the arms of his chair. He swallowed.
"You might start by assigning me an escort for a conducted tour of the capital," Retief went on. "I want to be in a position to confirm that order has been re-established, and that normal services have been restored. Otherwise it may be necessary to send in a Monitor Unit to straighten things out."
"You know you can't meddle with the internal affairs of a sovereign world!"
Retief sighed. "The trouble with taking over your boss's job is discovering its drawbacks. It's disillusioning, I know, Sozier, but—"
"All right! Take your tour! You'll find everything running as smooth as silk! Utilities, police, transport, environmental control—"
"What about Space Control? Glave Tower seems to be off the air."