Learning to Dance

will be to send some Rangers in undercover – with armed
backup as plan B, of course. But it will be best to do this
quietly, if we can.”
Up understood. The knowledge that the information had
been stolen in the first place would put a serious dent in the
G.L.E.E.’s public image if it leaked. And as humanity’s last
hope against the robots, they needed that image intact.
Tripp continued. “We want to send in the best – so we’d
like to send in the two of you.”
Up looked at Taz, and she looked at him. “What is the
nature of this planned transfer?” she asked Tripp with
suspicion.
The Rear Admiral broke into a sudden, wide smile.
“Why, it’s taking place at none other than the Galactic
Ambassadors’ Ball.”
Silence.
“A ball?” said Taz dangerously.
The Galactic Ambassadors’ Ball was the single biggest
social event on the galaxy’s calendar. Hosted by the opulent
citizens of the Jovian moon Europa, it was a gathering of
ambassadors from Earth and all of their allied alien friends,
to wine, dine, dance and continue to woo the friendships
integral to the fabric of the alliance. It was also ridiculously
silly and expensive. Up had worked security for the ball
once, a long time ago. He’d never seen so many different
species, or so much waste of money, in his life.
“Yes, a ball, Lieutenant,” Tripp said, settling back in
Up’s chair, the smile never leaving his face. “Your identities
have been all arranged and your invitations secured. You’re
going to be Dr. and Mrs. von Tuppington of Alabama, a
wealthy Earth surgeon and his exotic young wife.”
Up had never – never – seen Taz at a loss for words, but
she was now. Her mouth dropped open, and closed again,
soundlessly.