Captain Woiski said, “The Sub-Bishop informs me that the provisional government has ruled that any spacecraft landing on New Delos cannot take off again without permission and that every individual who lands, even United Planets personnel, will need an exit visa before being allowed to depart.”
Ronny said, “Then you can't land?”
The captain said reasonably, “My destination is Merlini. I've gone out of my way slightly to drop you off here. But I can't afford to take the chance of having my ship tied up for what might be an indefinite period. Evidently, there's considerably civil disorder down there.”
From the screen the priest snapped, “That is an inaccurate manner of describing the situation.”
“Sorry,” the captain said dryly.
Ronny Bronston said desperately, “But, captain, Miss Tog and I simply have to land.” He reached for his badge. “High priority, Bureau of Investigation.”
The captain shrugged his hefty shoulders. “Sorry, I have no instructions that allow me to risk tying up my ship. Here's a possibility. Can you pilot a landing craft? I could spare you one, then you and your assistant would be the only ones involved. You could turn it over to whatever Space Forces base we have here.”
Ronny said miserably, “No. I'm not a space pilot.”
“I am,” Tog said softly. “The idea sounds excellent.”
“We shall expect you,” the Sub-Bishop said. The screen went blank.