Years of police work and interrogation had steeled the official. There was no surprise shown. "We handle those cases directly, Mr. ah--ah--" "Florin Brite." "Mr. Brite, there is a feeling of--uh--well, touchiness about such individuals so we handle their cases in confidence. I'm glad you came here--" "Yes, you're quite delighted," Florin was no longer mild. "You're also quite amazed--for you had no idea that there were any corporation-men left after the 'purge', a very thorough purge, I might add." "Now, see what I mean about touchiness? We were not responsible, not even involved in that mess. This new government is composed of citizens who merely wish stability and sanity. Co-operation is our keynote--" "Cut it. I don't need the party platform, I've read your handbills. I just want to know, what about me?" "Well, you will undoubtedly have to be put under some sort of protective custody. There is still strong feeling--" Their tete a tete was interrupted by a rushing clerk shouting wildly. "They did it! Universal Relief finally declared it a Class AA!" The clerk was brandishing a sheet of paper, which he proffered to the Secretary, who took it with an expression of pleasure. His reading was interrupted by Florin's voice. "It seems highly unnecessary that we be declared Class AA now. You people have done such a marvelous job of organizing an emergency government that everything seems to be well under control." "Nonsense man," the Secretary declared. "There is still isolated fighting and rioting, even murder is not unusual." "I merely wished to congratulate you on your speedy action. It was almost as if this government was waiting to spring into existence." The irony was very thinly veiled. The Planetary Governor himself had entered the office while Florin was speaking. There was ice in his voice as he said, "What do you mean by that, sir?" Florin turned and bowed to him. When he spoke again, the veil was torn off and the irony was as flagrant as a dead rat--and as fragrant. "Good day sir. I'm delighted to meet you. I was merely commenting to your Secretary on your efficiency and speed which has so helped this planet in its hour of need." The Governor's eyes ossified. "Just words. What do you want?" The irony disappeared, and Florin's voice transmuted to a tone of accustomed authority. "I want to find out just how you were able to organize and take over so quickly in this emergency. With this planet's economy completely shot after the corporation-men quit producing and with stocks down to nothing, I am fascinated by the problem of how you got financial backing." "That is none of your business." "On the contrary, it is very much my business. You left your offices in rather a turmoil in your rush to take control. Since you haven't had the time to security screen your governmental employees, the files were as open as if they'd been set on the sidewalks.