“Sixteen hours! I've got to be at the spaceport by that time!”
The voice said dispassionately, “We are sorry.”
The bottom fell out of everything. Ronny said, desperately, “Look, if I miss my ship in Neuve Albuquerque, what is the next spaceliner leaving from there for New Delos?”
“A moment, citizen.” There was an agonized wait, and then the voice said, “There is a liner leaving for New Delos on the 14th of next month. It arrives in New Delos on the 31st, Basic Earth calendar.”
The 31st! Tommy Paine could be halfway across the galaxy by that time.
A gentle voice next to him said, “Could I help, Ronny?”
He looked around at her. “Evidently, nobody can,” he said disgustedly. “There's no way of getting to Neuve Albuquerque in time to get that cruiser to New Delos.”
Tog Lee Chang Chu fished in her bag and came up with a wallet similar to the one in which Ronny carried his Section G badge. She held it up to the screen. “Bureau of Investigation, Section G,” she said calmly. “It will be necessary that Agent Bronston and myself be in Neuve Albuquerque within the hour.”
The metallic voice said, “Of course. Proceed to your right and through Corridor K to Exit Four. Your rocket will be there. Identify yourself to Lieutenant Economou who will be at the desk at Exit Four.”
Tog turned to Ronny Bronston. “Shall we go?” she said demurely.