Only if they're fools, Kinsman replied silently. He said aloud, "We always make every effort to accommodate our foreign visitors."
"Of course."
"Within reason," Kinsman added.
Faraffa's eyebrows arched upward. Then, with a slight smile, he added, "I understand that this gathering tonight is to celebrate your birthday. My felicitations, sir."
"Thank you." Kinsman could see from the expression on Diane's face what she thought of the Egyptian's attempt to spoil the surprise of the party.
"It is very interesting," Faraffa went on. "You are the most visible man here in Selene. Everyone knows you and admires you. Even the Russians."
With a small bow of acknowledgment. Kinsman said, "My life is an open book."
"Not quite." Faraffa's voice became almost a whisper, 300 but harder, sharper, a thin little dagger of sound. "I have attempted to learn more of your life. I am very interested in you, Colonel Kinsman. Yet, while the computer records are completely open, they extend back only a few years. Before that, your personnel file is a blank. A total blank. You are a man without a past. Colonel Kinsman."
Very evenly Kinsman replied, "The personnel records go back to the point where I first assumed command of Moon- base."
"But no further."
"No further."
"Why is that? All the other files extend back to the person's education, at least."
Keeping his voice low and steady, choosing his words very carefully, Kinsman said, "I received my degree from the Air Force Academy."
"Indeed."
"There's no need for more detail."
"A man without a past," Faraffa repeated. "It makes one wonder what you are hiding from us."
"Modesty," Kinsman said, making himself smile. "I have a highly developed sense of modesty."
"Or secrecy?"
"Call it privacy. If you really need to know something, ask me."
"No," Faraffa said. "I shall ask my government. Perhaps they can learn more than I can."
