"It's about time! Bodwyn Wook here."

After a portentous five-second delay the response came, heavy and resonant: "I am Titus Pompo! Speak!"

Bodwyn Wook turned on the video connection.

"My screen is blank. Do you see me? I am Bodwyn Wook, Supervisor of Bureau B. Show yourself, so that I may see with whom I am talking."

"My face is my own. You must gratify your curiosity in other ways. Why did you call me?"

"Hide your face, if you like; that's your affair. But when you lay hands on my nephew then it's my affair. I wish to speak to him this moment, to make sure that he has not been molested."

"Your nephew, it appears, would be the burglar-thief. He is in detention until we reckon up his offenses."

"He is a sergeant of Bureau B. He is not a thief."

"Why did he steal the cloak of Aries Clattuc?"

"I will learn the circumstance from Kirdy himself. If a reprimand is in order, it will be applied with reference to our regulations. Under no conditions are you allowed to interfere with a Bureau B agent and an IPCC affiliate. Bring him out, that he may talk to me."

"His conduct is suspicious and may include espionage. We will make our inquiry and act accordingly."

"Titus Pompo, I will warn you once and once only. You are talking dangerous nonsense. All Cadwal is under the jurisdiction of Bureau B. We come and go at discretion and inspect each square inch of this world as we choose."

From Titus Pompo came an oddly melodious laugh which, however, to a sensitive ear faltered by the tenth of a quaver.

"Events have passed you by. At the Lutwen Islands we have asserted our independence of both you and the Naturalist Charter. We are not without support in this regard. The progressive faction at Stroma endorses our action, which now must be considered definite and irrevocable."

Bodwyn Wook laughed: a short sharp bark.

"As to that, we shall see. Now then, Pompo, Oomphaw, whatever you call yourself: bring Kirdy Wook to the mesh, or we will consider him dead and punish you with great severity."

Titus Pompo said softly: "Have you no fear of punishment in return?"

"For the last time: do you intend to bring Kirdy Wook to speak to me?"

A glum overtone came into the voice.

"As a courtesy to Bureau B and Araminta Station, you may have him back in a month, when he has served his sentence."

"I am immediately sending a flyer to Yipton. Within the hour, it will land on the flight strip. Have Kirdy Wook on hand."

Bodwyn Wook broke the connection.

Five minutes passed. Scharde's voice sounded through the mesh.

"We're ready to go."

"Good. I notified Titus Pompo that we would pick up Kirdy on the flight strip. Once he's aboard, proceed as before."

"I understand your instructions. We're off."

A few moments later Namour entered the office, clearly wondering what the summons might signify. He nodded politely to Bodwyn Wook, somewhat more casually to Ysel Laverty and Rune Offaw. He dismissed Glawen with a glance. To Bodwyn Wook he said: "Has some great tragedy occurred? The atmosphere is dank with doom and despair; everywhere I see dolorous faces. What is the occasion?"

Bodwyn Wook gave him a cordial salute.

"You misinterpret our mood! Glawen has been telling us of Pussycat Palace, and we are not so much glum as rapt in fantasy. I am happy that you were able to drop in on us. It is always a pleasure to see a face like yours: easy, unknown to fear and doubt, both honest and true."

"Thank you," murmured Namour.

"I am no less delighted to be here, in this sanctum of virtue and high principle."

"We do our best," said Bodwyn Wook.

"Kind words, however, are few. Only criminals seem to recognize our excellence."

"And, so I hope, a few others like myself."

"From time to time." Bodwyn Wook pointed to a chair.

"Sit down, if you will. Ysel and Rune are just off about their duties; urgent events are in the wind!"

"Really!" said Namour, looking curiously after the departing captains

"Should I ask what is going on, or would you prefer that I feign disinterest?"

"It is no secret. The Oomphaw is up to some new tricks. He took my nephew Kirdy into custody on trumped-up charges: an act of sheer insolence which I do not propose to take lightly."

Namour pursed his lips.

"The Bold Lion excursion seems to have been a general fiasco. I had a quick word with Aries and he tells me that Kirdy stole his cloak and tore it to shreds. He cannot reconcile this act with the Bold Lion code of conduct, and is totally baffled."

"I agree that it would seem an unusual act, especially in connection with a Wook. I am sure that Kirdy will have a sensible explanation. I might mention that both he and Glawen were engaged upon a Bureau B operation. The damaged cloak was used only as a pretext to hold Kirdy."

"Ah! That explains the furor! And you want me to use my good offices, such as they are, in the case?"

"Not at all! Titus Pompo has casually announced his independence:

a bit of pip-squeak arrogance which we will nip in the bud, and in fact I dispatched an armed force to bring Kirdy back and to perform a few other routine inspections. All this will put Titus Pompo's nose out of joint, and our relationship will be taking a new tack. While awaiting news, I thought to discuss these new conditions with you."

Namour thoughtfully rubbed his jaw.

"I am at your service.

But before making definite proposals I would like to consider the matter overnight. So now, if you will excuse me--" Namour started to rise, but Bodwyn Wook waved him back into his seat.

"Deliberate to your heart's content, but first let me suggest some topics. Perhaps you will wish to take notes."

"Yes, yes," muttered Namour.