A red eyed, exhausted agent looked up from the sole desk and snarled a question at them. Ronny didn't get it, but Tog said mildly, “Probationary Agent Ronald Bronston and Tog Lee Chang Chu. On special assignment.” She flicked open her badge so that the other could see it.
His manner changed. “Sorry,” he said, getting up to shake hands. “I'm Mouley Hassan, in charge of Section G on New Delos. We've just had a crisis here, as you can imagine. The worst of it's now over.” He added sourly, “I hope. All my assistants have already taken off for Avalon.” He was a short statured, dark complected man, his features betraying his Semitic background.
Ronny shook hands with him and said, “Sorry to bother you at a time like this.”
They found chairs and Mouley Hassan flicked a key on his order box and said to them, “How about a drink? They make a wonderful sparkling wine on this planet. Trust any theocracy to have top potables.”
Ronny accepted the offer, Tog refused it politely. She sat demurely, her hands in her lap.
Mouley Hassan ran a weary hand through already mussed hair. “What's this special assignment you're on?”
Ronny said, “Commissioner Metaxa has sent me looking for Tommy Paine.”
“Tommy Paine!” the other blurted. “At a time like this, when I haven't had three nights' sleep in the last three basic weeks, you come around looking for Tommy Paine?”
Ronny was taken aback. “Sid Jakes seemed to think this might be one of Paine's jobs.”
Tog said mildly, “What better place to look for Tommy Paine, than in a situation like this, Agent Hassan?” Her eyebrows went up. “Or don't you think the quest for Paine is an important one?”