"Universal Minerals."
"And who owns Universal Minerals?"
"Several people, I think, all Earthmen."
"Who speaks for Universal Minerals on Nanta Dik?"
A little reluctantly, Wanbecq said "There is a man named Morrison."
The name rang no bell in Durham's mind. It brought no visible reaction to Susan's face either, though he was watching it closely.
"And how," he asked, "does Morrison feel about humanity?"
"Ask the Bitter Star," said Wanbecq, and the taxi slid to a halt beside the platform on which Durham now saw that several men were standing. Wanbecq and Wanbecq-ai hunched forward expectantly.
"No," said Durham. "I'm getting out, but you're not." He nudged Susan. "Get ready."
The doors slid open automatically. Susan scrambled out. Durham went right behind her, twisted like a cat in the opening, and splashed a brief warning blast off the floor at the feet of the Wanbecqs, who had raised a frantic cry and were trying to follow.