"Tanaquil and I simply happened to be at loose ends and thought to take advantage of the occasion. I take it you are here on official business?"
Glawen nodded.
"It might be simple, or it might be difficult, depending upon circumstances. I hope that we can count upon your cooperation, if necessary?"
"I would certainly expect so, to whatever degree we find possible. What, precisely, is the nature of your business?"
"We are investigating a series of criminal entertainments which were offered to off-world groups on one of our ocean islands. These groups were recruited at various worlds along the Wisp, including Tassadero, which is why we are here."
"Most unusual! Tanaquil, will you ever cease to be amazed by the weird convolutions of criminal behaviors?"
"Never, and I assure you of this!"
Barch turned back to Glawen.
"And who were the participants in this ugly business from Tassadero?"
"This is where I must ask your special discretion. Our main purpose is to identify the organizer of the scheme, and so we must deal carefully with the participants, at least until we find out what they know."
"So much is clear. I think that we can guarantee full and total discretion. What do you say, Tanaquil?"
"I am of the same opinion."
"In that case I will speak freely," said Glawen.
"We learned that six Zubenites from Lutwiler Country went to Thurben Island and there were involved in absolutely remarkable activities."
Barch gave an incredulous laugh.
"Zubenites? That is astonishing indeed! Are you sure of your facts?"
"Quite sure."
"Extraordinary! Zubenites are not prone to erotic excess, and that is an understatement! Tanaquil, have you ever heard the like?"
"I am in a state of shock! What will they do next?"
Barch said by way of explanation: "We are fairly well acquainted with the Zubenites, who come in from Lutwiler Country to do their marketing. They are considered stolid folk, the next thing to torpid;
hence our perplexity."
"Nevertheless, Zubenites were involved. They might have been subjected to a form of coercion, and for this reason, I hope that they will agree to tell us what we want to know."
"Which is?"
"Who sold them the tickets? How were the tickets delivered?
Who took their money? Some member or members of Ogmo Enterprises were Cadwal residents; who might these persons be? In short, we want to find out what went on."
"It seems straightforward enough. Am I correct in this, Tanaquil?"
"I think so. Still: a cautionary point! I doubt if the Zubenites will choose to be informative, if for no other reason than sheer inertia."
"That would be my own guess," said Barch.
"What, then, are your options? They are sadly limited. You cannot threaten criminal proceedings; no such law exists in Lutwiler Country."
"What of your own authority? Here is where your cooperation might be indispensable."
Barch and Tanaquil both laughed.
"In Lutwiler Country? Or in Vamoose Country? In any of the Far Countries?" Barch jerked his
thumb toward a nearby table.
"See that old lady in the fancy green hat?"
"I see her very well."
"She has exactly the same authority in Lutwiler Country as I. In short, none. We keep the peace in Fexel Country, but no farther; in the absence of both means and inclination, we refuse to spread our selves thin."
Tanaquil held up his finger.
"We make one exception!
Tourists base themselves at Fexelburg for their explorations and treasure-hunting;
we regard them as our responsibility. If nomads molest a tourist caravan, we punish the nomads severely. But that is hardly police work, and it happens rarely nowadays."
