"I didn't even see the Denebian Ambassador."
"That's not what Julie says."
Julie looked up from her desk in exasperation. "You're still the boss, so maybe I shouldn't talk like this, but honestly chief, how could you?"
"Damnit! How could I what?"
"I almost fainted when that, that monster from Deneb walked in here. You always tell me to keep the intercom open when you have an important visitor and take everything down in shorthand. So I did. Then you walked out of your office with the Denebian Ambassador, smiling and practically holding hands—if you call what he's got a hand."
"I went home around midday. I never saw the gentleman from Deneb."
"You use the word gentleman loosely," said Nicholson. "And unadvisedly."
It was then that State stormed in, his face almost mauve. "Channing, pack your junk. You're fired."
"Now, wait a minute—"
"Miss Marshall here had the good sense to send me a transcript of your little meeting. Of all the achesonian gall...."