Loo sighed, returned the weapon which he had until now held in his hand to a shoulder holster. "Yes," he said, meaninglessly. He turned and looked at Hank Kuran wryly. "I have spent the better part of my life learning to be an ultra-efficient security operative. I suspect that my job has just become obsolete." "I have an idea that perhaps mine is too," Hank said. * * * * * In the morning, the Progressive Tours group was scheduled to visit a co-operative farm, specializing in poultry, on the outskirts of Moscow. While the bus was loading Hank stopped off at the Grand Hotel's Intourist desk. "Can I send a cable to the United States?" The chipper Intourist girl said "But of course." She handed him a form. He wrote quickly: SHERIDAN HENNESSEY WASHINGTON, D. C. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED MORE SATISFACTORILY THAN EXPECTED. HENRY KURAN The girl checked it quickly. "But your name is Henry Stevenson." "That," Hank said, "was back when I was a cloak and dagger man." She blinked and looked after him as he walked out and climbed aboard the tourist bus. He found an empty seat next to Char Moore and settled into it. Char said evenly, "Ah, today you have time from your amorous pursuits to join the rest of us." He raised an eyebrow at her. Jealousy? His chances were evidently better than he had ever suspected. "I meant to tell you about that," he said, "the first time we're by ourselves." "Hm-m-m," she said. Then, "We've been in Russia for several days now. What do you think of it?" Hank said, "I think it's pretty good. And I have a sneaking suspicion that in another ten years, when a few changes will have evolved, she'll be better still." She looked at him blankly. "You _do_? Frankly, I've been somewhat disappointed." "Sure. But wait'll you see _our_ country in ten years. You know, Char, this world of ours has just got started." THE END * * * * *