“None except a United Planets ship which was carefully inspected.”
Ronny said tightly, “But what facilities do you have to check on secret spaceports, possibly located in some remote desert or mountain area?”
The New Delian laughed sourly. “There is no other planet in all the United Planets with our degree of security. We even imported the most recent developments in artificial satellites equipped with the most delicate of detection devices. I assure you, it is utterly impossible for a spacecraft to land or take off from New Delos without our knowledge.”
Ronny Bronston's eyes lit with excitement. “These security measures of yours. To what extent do you keep under observation all aliens on the planet?”
The priest's chuckle had a nasty quality. “You are quite ignorant of our institutions, evidently. Every person on New Delos, in every way of life, was under constant survey from the cradle to the grave. Aliens were highly discouraged. When they appeared on New Delos at all, they were restricted in their movements to this, our capital city.”
Ronny let air whistle from his lungs. “Then,” he said triumphantly, “if any alien had anything to do with this, he is still on the planet. Can you get me a list of all aliens?”
The other laughed again, still sourly. “But there are none. None except you employees of United Planets. I'm afraid you're on a wild-goose chase.”
Ronny stared at him blankly. “But commercial representatives, cultural exchange—”
The priest said flatly, “No. None at all. All commerce was handled through UP. We encouraged no cultural exchanges. We wished to keep our people uncorrupted. United Planets alone had the right to land on our one spaceport.”
The Section G agent came to his feet. This was much simpler than he [pg 043] could ever have hoped for. He thanked the other, but avoided the necessity of shaking hands, and left.