"We seem to make some small progress. Let me explain my thinking. The excursions depend upon three elements: Titus Pompo, the customers and the organizer, sometimes known as Ogmo Enterprises. He is now the only unknown element in the case, but we cannot let it rest there. He is possibly the worst scoundrel of the lot;
also, he may well be someone already known to us. I will not, at this time, hazard any guesses or put forward any names, not even in idle speculation. Suffice to say, he must be tracked down, identified and taken into custody. What do you say to that?"
"Nothing, sir. I agree."
"Quite so." Bodwyn Wook raised his eyes to the ceiling.
"I
will point out that, in order to conduct an investigation, one needs investigators. Your name has been mentioned in such a connection. You would be required to travel off-world, to Natrice, Tassadero and Soum, and on each of these worlds make appropriate inquiries. Does the program interest you?"
"Yes, sir."
"This person--for lack of a better name I shall call him Ogmo-has certainly left traces. He has dealt with travel agencies and issued a brochure. Money must have been paid to the travel agencies, then transferred to Ogmo. Such transactions must have left further traces:
all of which, if properly followed, should lead to Ogmo. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, sir."
"Good. Aside from these general points, I can offer no further guidelines. You and your colleague must use your notable ingenuities and develop your own lines of inquiry.
Now, then: do you have questions?"
"Yes, sir, I surely do. You used the word 'colleague." I have already had one bitter experience of working with a colleague, namely Kirdy, and I don't want to repeat the mistake. All in all, I am sure that I can work to belter effect alone."
Bodwyn Wook frowned and cleared his throat.
"I fear that, in this case, we must regretfully give second priority to your personal preferences. For various reasons, all of considerable importance, I think it best that you work with an associate."
Glawen sought for words, framing and discarding a number of remarks, while Bodwyn Wook watched him with owl-like imperturbability. Finally Glawen asked: "And whom do you have in mind as this associate?"
"Working with an associate is not the end of the world," said Bodwyn Wook bluffly.
"Perhaps your previous experience with Kirdy was not fully successful, but we must learn from our mistakes. You will definitely be in charge, and I'm sure that extra eyes, extra hands and the extra force of a keen Wook mind will often prove of value. And as I indicated there are other reasons why the arrangement is important."
"You mean that I must work with Kirdy again?"
"Responsible work is essential to Kirdy's recovery. He must bring his mind down from the clouds and focus it on reality." Bodwyn Wook spoke into his communicator.
"Is Kirdy on hand?"
Kirdy entered the office. His eyes fell upon Glawen, and instantly seemed to become round and glassy.
"Here you are, the two of you: back together again!" So called out Bodwyn Wook in fulsome tones.
"Since that Yipton dustup Kirdy has been a bit off his feed, but now he's as right as rain, and ready for action. What he needs is stimulation and good hard work, to exercise the talents which are his Wook birthright. This investigation is exactly the proper prescription and an opportunity which we can't neglect! Especially since the two of you have worked together before."
Kirdy smiled: a slow cool twisting of the mouth.
"So we have."
Glawen said anxiously: "For this reason alone, Kirdy might not be comfortable working as my subordinate. It might be better if " "Nonsense!" declared Bodwyn Wook.
"By this time you two know each other's foibles and fancies, and you should be able to cooperate in full harmony."
Kirdy nodded ponderously.
"I find this truly a wonderful opportunity."
"Then it is settled," said Bodwyn Wook. He spoke into the communicator: "Hilda, if you please!"
Hilda entered the office. Bodwyn Wook said: "Prepare travel credentials for Glawen and Kirdy. I now promote them both to the rank of sergeant; use that designation."
"Wait!" cried Glawen.
"If I am required to deal with off-world police, I would prefer higher credentials, if only for this particular assignment. I suggest the rank of captain, at the very least."
"The point is well-taken! Hilda, that shall be the way of it!"
Hilda sniffed and cast a sour glance toward Glawen.
"What of Kirdy? Is he only to be a sergeant? He might also have to deal with policemen."
Bodwyn Wook made an expansive gesture.
"Just so! Both, during this assignment, are to be captains of the Cadwal Police! Probably the youngest captains in the history of Bureau
B!"
