"How do you do," Fanya said demurely.

For several seconds, Manning could only gape. What stood in the doorway was nothing short of a vision. She looked exactly like a Terran woman—but one such as he had seldom seen. She was tall, only two or three inches shorter than he; and every inch of her was a dream in curving flesh. So far as he could see—and her dress did little to limit sight—everything that should have been there was there to the fullest degree and nothing was missing. Her hair was long and golden blonde. Her eyes were gray-blue, her lips a soft red, her features flawless.

"Hello," Manning finally managed weakly.

"I believe," J. Barnaby said with malice, "we were having some discussion about old crow...."

"That," Manning said quickly, "was merely the crow I intended eating ... does Miss Sera know about our assignment?"

"She does."

"Far be it from me to discourage any part of this," Manning said, "but do you think anyone is going to look at her and believe that I want to get rid of her?"

"I think they will," J. Barnaby said. "Miss Sera, you might show Mr. Draco one of your lesser talents."

The girl nodded and there was a glint of humor in her eyes. "Melvin Draco," she said, "if you think you're going to drag me all the way out here and then just keep me cooped up on a silly old asteroid—well, I'm not going to stand for it!" Her voice had suddenly taken on a whine so jarring that Manning found himself wishing she was dead.

"Turn it off," he said shuddering. "And promise me you'll use it only when necessary."

"I promise," she said. Her voice was soft and seductive again and she was smiling invitingly.

"You're right, J. Barnaby," Manning said. "When do we leave?"

"Right now. I've left orders for the cashier to give you enough money to cover expenses. Good luck, my boy."

"How can I miss?" Manning muttered, giving the blonde a meaningful glance as he held the door open for her.

II

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