"Why don't you tell me what's happening?!" Eve asked JS when they were back home. She was worried by his foul mood and not a little annoyed by his habit of nursing things inwardly. "This is a RAT medallion... I mean TAR... If they found it in the north country and it isn't arrived in NM from hand to hand... then we are in serious troubles." "Who are the rats?" "RATs... They are a bunch of vicious cutthroats, who are ready to do that dirty work that even the Rogues skip doing directly if they can. Do you understand now? we must know the origin of the medallion and why it's here. Tomorrow you and Adam will come officially to visit me at Bradburyton, OK?" Eve nodded. Back to his office in Bradburyton JS summoned one after another the officials responsible of the air traffic and ensign Lucas, who had been the military attachè before his arrival. The radar controller was a contractor with an experience as a former fleet member. "I know that there's been some movement. From the trails I'd say Rogue, Sir. They were concentrated in the north and the Rainbow Mts. Lately the number of the trails was pretty large. But I was told not to investigate and to destroy the files. EVIL orders," the controller remarked, and added: "I can't say whether they were RAT or Rogue trails, since they use the same ships". "I see things in a different way, if you know what I mean. I want to be informed about even the faintest trail" JS ordered. "Yessir, I'll do it" the controller said, and glanced at him knowingly. Ensign Lucas was a decent young fellow, whose family had supplied officers to GOD for generations. He was an excellent embassy official, but he had no fight experience whatsoever. He was as raw as a recruit, but his manners were supercilious, as if his aristocratic military background was a personal merit. Coming from the low ranks JS had soon noticed that Lucas'haughtiness got on his nerves. Thus with a brisk and businesslike tone, JS informed Lucas of the arrival of the Martian delegation, and told him that Bradburyton was to be opened to the indigenous inhabitants according to the new security codes. In particular, the Martians should have free access to health services and the commercial Malls. "Is it safe?" the stunned ensign protested. "They are a gang of thieves!" "In this town we welcome with open arms Rogue thugs, GUN's deep-pocketed, crooked officials, moles, rats and finks of all kinds, smugglers and pimps disguised as diplomats. You shouldn't be so fastidious about one or two shoplifters," JS remarked icily. He gave Lucas a meaningful look and added: "In any case, the indigenous Martians are our new allied on NM. That is, they are OUR sonof**itch guys, and will be dealt with respectfully. As the President said - and JS stressed the word "president" to remind Lucas of his direct relationship with the great man, - exceptional times call for exceptional measures". Pause."If you feel uncomfortable with it, I'll be happy to support your transfer application" JS told him, pushing a pre-printed form toward Lucas. "No, No, I simply wished to understand your orders well", the poor fellow replied worried to do a bad career move. "Well, we do agree, then". JS said and changed subject: "What do you know about the Yttrium ore deposits and/or the presence of RATs on NM?" "Nothing beyond the gossip from GNN (Galactic News Network). But one of my elder brothers is a senior partner of Wolfblood, Suckheart law firm. He's specialized in intergalactic law." Lucas smiled a bit ingratiantingly: "I can ask him. He should know something about it." JS nodded: "And how much will it cost per minute?" "Nothing, if I call him!" the ensign replied obligingly. JS pointed at the intercom. Thank you to all people who appreciated the previous picture! Thanks for viewing and drop a note if you like! Ajrarn: Idol; Fringewood: Love Letters; Area 50 Control Panel: TEKbyDesign: Control Panel; Karen 1573: Jewellery Box.