"How should I know?" the Quaestor said, scowling. "I suppose it's one of those old Earth names the skrenners are always coming up with. Anyhow, just watch your step when you enter it." "Why?" Barrent asked. The Quaestor grinned. "That, peon, is something you'll have to find out for yourself." He turned and strode from the barracks. When he had gone, Barrent went to the window. From it he could see a deserted square and, beyond, the streets of Tetrahyde. "You thinking of going out there?" Joe asked. "Certainly I am," Barrent said. "Coming with me?" The little credit thief shook his head. "I don't think it's safe." "Foeren, how about you?" "I don't like it either," Foeren said. "Might be better to stay around the barracks for a while." "That's ridiculous," Barrent said. "It's _our_ city now. Isn't anyone coming with me?" Looking uncomfortable, Foeren hunched his big shoulders and shook his head. Joe shrugged and lay back on his cot. The rest of the new men didn't even look up. "Very well," Barrent said. "I'll give you a full report later." He waited a moment longer in case someone changed his mind, then went out the door. * * * * * The city of Tetrahyde was a collection of buildings sprawled along a narrow peninsula which jutted into a sluggish gray sea. The peninsula's landward side was contained by a high stone wall, pierced with gates and guarded by sentries. Its largest building was the Arena, used once a year for the Games. Near the Arena was a small cluster of government buildings. Barrent walked along the narrow streets, staring around him, trying to get some idea of what his new home was like. The winding, unpaved roads and dark, weatherbeaten houses stirred an elusive tag-end of memory in him. He had seen a place like this on Earth, but he couldn't remember anything about it. The recollection was as tantalizing as an itch; but he couldn't locate its source. Past the Arena, he came into the main business district of Tetrahyde. Fascinated, he read the store signs: UNLICENSED DOCTOR--ABORTIONS PERFORMED WHILE-U-WAIT. Further on, DISBARRED LAWYER. POLITICAL PULL! This seemed vaguely wrong to Barrent. He walked further, past stores advertising stolen goods, past a little shop that announced: MIND READING! FULL STAFF OF SKRENNING MUTANTS! YOUR PAST ON EARTH REVEALED! Barrent was tempted to go in. But he remembered that he hadn't any money; and Omega seemed like the sort of place that put a high value on money. He turned down a side street, walked by several restaurants, and came to a large building called THE POISON INSTITUTE (_Easy Terms. Up to 3 Years to Pay. Satisfaction Guaranteed or Your Money Back_). Next door to it was THE ASSASSIN'S GUILD, _Local 452_.