Part 2 (1/2)

Then he became all business, and his face sobered as he went back to his desk.

”Sit there, Lieutenant. There's a lot to tell you, and you are to pay strict attention and get it all in this one interview, for there can't be another at this time. It would attract too much attention for you to be called here more than this once.”

He smiled again, with a warm, fatherly pride. ”First, let me congratulate you, officially on your decision, and to welcome you sincerely into the Secret Service.”

Hanlon bowed in acknowledgement, then sat down and leaned forward attentively. ”I'll try to get it all, sir.”

”First, the matter of your dismissal. It will come some time within the next few days, but even I won't know ahead of time when or how it will happen. Some SS man unknown on Terra will be called in to attend to it.

But when it does come you will recognize it almost instantly, and you must play it up big. Don't let on in any way that you suspect or know it is anything but genuine. You must impress on your fellow students, and upon everyone else you know or later come to know, that it was real, and that it has soured you for all time on the Corps, and on all law and order and government.”

The young man nodded, but said nothing, for his throat was clogged and his spirits quailing at thought of that public disgrace. He had been so proud here ... how could he possibly stand giving it all up? Maybe he was a fool ever to have agreed.

But the admiral was continuing. He shoved a sheaf of bills across the desk. ”Here's a thousand credits. Use them to buy your civilian clothes and kit after your dismissal. Buy a few shares of some stock, too--the amount or value doesn't matter. Get a small insurance policy. Yes,”

seeing his son's questioning look, ”there's a reason.

”After you get your clothing and things and have discarded your uniform, go rent a hotel room, then go to the Inter-Stellar bank and rent a safety deposit box. That's one of the first things you do in each city on any planet to which you may be sent on a.s.signment. Now, here are two keys that fit box number 1044 in all the I-S banks. They are special master keys of our own designing. Box 1044 is used because of its nearness to those private booths, in the universal set-up all I-S banks use. That box is our means of confidential communication.

”After you get into the vault ostensibly to get into your own box, use these to open box 1044. There's a little electronic gadget in each box 1044. When you want immediate service on anything you put into the box, press the red b.u.t.ton on the mechanism. Go back a few hours later and it will have been attended to. So now, when you get into the bank, put a note there listing your hotel room number and also your new deposit key number. Come back in a couple of hours and you'll find a key that will have your box number stamped on it, but which will open both boxes. Then leave your old key and one of these in 1044, and carry the other and the new one.”

”Oh, I see. The stock and insurance policy in my own box are decoys, eh?”

”Right. You put all your reports in box 1044, and get your orders there.

We all use 1044, so just sort through the envelopes for any with your name on them. The same key also locks the sound-proof and spyray-proof cubicle in the vault, so no one, not even another SS man, can interrupt you unless you want to let them in.”

”My own box for decoy; 1044 for service matters; key fits both boxes and cubicles; red b.u.t.ton for quick service. Yes, sir.”

”When you get to a new city or planet, put your local address there as soon as feasible. That's your one sure contact. Also, in each box you'll find quite a lot of money at all times. You take what you need for expenses and get your salary that way. If your job calls for more than is in the box at any time, leave a request and press the red b.u.t.ton.

More will be brought immediately.”

”That's quite a trust, sir,” Hanlon gulped. ”I hope I'll always use it wisely.”

His father nodded and smiled. ”You will, Spence. We wouldn't have asked you to join us if we weren't sure. As your father, I'm mighty proud to have you for a son. As a.s.sistant Chief of the SS, I feel sure you'll be a credit to us.

”Now,” all business again, ”a sleep instructor and some reels of the language and other information about Simonides Four will be delivered to your hotel room. Simonides Four is your first a.s.signment. There's something fishy going on there we haven't been able to find out about, but we think you can get us some good leads.

”Don't try to handle it alone--just get us information. And, son, use your talent for reading minds. I heard over the intercom all you said to Rogers, and while that wasn't the only reason you were asked into the SS, believe me, it will be tremendously important in your work with us--it'll help us where no other agent can get to first check station.

And I have a feeling, too, that you'll develop both that and many other mental abilities once your mind starts to hit the ball. You'll find in this work every single talent and ability you can develop will be useful and needed.”

”Yes,” Hanlon nodded slowly, ”I'm beginning to realize that. I'll practice a lot.”

”As for money, don't be n.i.g.g.ardly--spend what you like and always carry quite a bit with you for emergencies. Live well, although not extravagantly unless the occasion of your work demands it. Not to save money, but to remain as inconspicuous as possible.”

”The Service has it all thought out, hasn't it?” Admiration shone in the young lieutenant's eyes.

”They've had a lot of years for it, Spence. Now, there's another means of contact, for cases of emergency. Get word to, or an interview with, any officer of the rank of Rear Admiral or above. The words 'Andromeda Seven' are the pa.s.swords to let him know who and what you are. Once you've made that contact, commandeer anything or any service needed to a.s.sist your work.”