It shook Wyoh. When Mike finished she said, “I’ve got to get home! Never in my life have I helped eliminate anyone but I am going to enjoy putting the black on these spies!”
Prof said quietly, “No one will be eliminated, dear Wyoming.”
“What? Professor, can’t you take it? Though I’ve never killed anyone, I’ve always known it might have to be done.”
He shook head. “Killing is not the way to handle a spy, not when he doesn’t know that you know that he is a spy.”
She blinked. “I must be dense.”
“No, dear lady. Instead you have a charming honesty.. . a weakness you must guard against. The thing to do with a spy is to let him breathe, encyst him with loyal comrades, and feed him harmless information to please his employers. These creatures will be taken into our organization. Don’t be shocked; they will be in very special cells. ‘Cages’ is a better word. But it would be the greatest waste to eliminate them–not only would each spy be replaced with someone new but also killing these traitors would tell the Warden that we have penetrated his secrets. Mike amigo mio, there should be in that file a dossier on me. Will you see?”
Were long notes on Prof, and I was embarrassed as they added up to “harmless old fool.” He was tagged as a subversive–that was why he had been sent to The Rock–as a member of underground group in Luna City. But was described as a “troublemaker” in organization, one who rarely agreed with others.
Prof dimpled and looked pleased. “I must consider trying to sell out and get myself placed on the Warden’s payroll.” Wyoh did not think this funny, especially when he made clear was not joke, merely unsure tactic was practical. “Revolutions must be financed, dear lady, and one way is for a revolutionary to become a police spy. It is probable that some of those prima-facie traitors are actually on our side.”
“I wouldn’t trust them!”
“Ah, yes, that is the rub with double agents, to be certain where their loyalties–if any–lie. Do you wish your own dossier? Or would you rather hear it in private?”
Wyoh’s record showed no surprises. Warden’s finks had tabbed her years back. But I was surprised that I had a record, too–routine check made when I was cleared to work in Authority Complex. Was classed as “non-political” and someone had added “not too bright” which was both unkind and true or why would I get mixed up in Revolution?
Prof had Mike stop read-out (hours more), leaned back and looked thoughtful. “One thing is clear,” he said. “The Warden knew plenty about Wyoming and myself long ago. But you, Manuel, are not on his black list.”
“After last night?”
“Ah, so. Mike, do you have anything In that file entered in the last twenty-four hours?”
Nothing. Prof said, “Wyoming is right that we cannot stay here forever. Manuel, how many names did you recognize? Six, was it? Did you see any of them last night?”
“No. But might have seen me.”
“More likely they missed you in the crowd. I did not spot you until I came down front and I’ve known you since you were a boy. But it is most unlikely that Wyoming traveled from Hong Kong and spoke at the meeting without her activity being known to the Warden.” He looked at Wyoh. “Dear lady, could you bring yourself to play the nominal role of an old man’s folly?”
“I suppose so. How, Professor?”
“Manuel is probably in the clear. I am not but from my dossier it seems unlikely that the Authority’s finks will bother to pick me up. You they may wish to question or even to hold; you are rated as dangerous. It would be wise for you to stay out of sight. This room– I’m thinking of renting it for a period–weeks or even years. You could hide in it–if you do not mind the obvious construction that would be placed on your staying here.”
Wyoh chuckled. “Why, you darling! Do you think I care what anyone thinks? I’d be delighted to play the role of your bundle baby–and don’t be too sure I’d be just playing.”