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badly shaken RIM. The place is riven by paranoia and suspicion. But I told you that in my last call. What has changed is that Colonel Rench - you remember him? - is now Major-General Rench and for reasons I can’t explain, he’s been fast-tracked for promotion. Somebody at the highest level is grooming him for big things.’
    ‘I never liked him. But is that necessarily a problem?’ Anneke asked.
    ‘I think it’s a big problem. Rench isn’t a fool, but he’s part of the Pullback school within RIM. Believes RIM has overstepped its historic role, that it should play a more diplomatic line, less storm trooper. He feels RIM has interfered with ‘galactic destiny’. All poppycock in my opinion, but the man is persuasive and has a large following. The problem is, this is the worst time for his approach. Another time, maybe he’d be right. But now? I don’t know, Anneke. The outer systems are becoming restless and skirmishes are on the rise. Kanto Kantoris is stirring again, waiting to flex its old imperialistic muscles.’
    Jake suddenly looked tired. ‘It’s as if everyone senses that change is on the way. And you know what that means. The weak will get trampled under the boots of the strong, who will believe they’ve got to grab power for themselves before they get swept away in the collapse.’
    Anneke was startled. ‘You think RIM could collapse?’
    ‘Ever hear of a run on the bank?’
    ‘No. Is it a sport?’
    Jake made a face. ‘In ancient Terran history there were financial institutions called banks. Before Averaged Galactic Currency and data stores, that’s where people kept their money, discrete bits of plastic or metal tokens. But the banks never kept enough money to redeem all the people’s credit notes. Didn’t matter, as long as everyone didn’t want their money back at the same time. So long as they kept confidence in the bank. But if that went, then there would be a run on the bank. Then the bank couldn’t pay out, since it had loaned out money, invested it where it couldn’t be retrieved quickly. And so the bank would collapse. Well, an organisation like RIM is similar. Because we don’t employ draconian methods, demanding obedience, punishing those that don’t give it, we depend on the galaxy’s confidence in us. Their faith that we can do our job. If that confidence were to evaporate ...’
    ‘Then RIM would crumble.’
    ‘Exactly.’
    ‘And you think that’s happening now?’
    ‘I think the patient is showing early symptoms of the disease.’
    ‘Is there a cure?’
    ‘I hope so, Anneke. I hope so.’
    ‘This is the best ice-cream in the universe!’ said
    Deema suddenly. ‘Can I have some more?’
    Later, in Anneke’s room, as Deema slept, Anneke andJake continued their discussion, in muted tones.
    As I see it, then, I’m to come back, but stay low, stay invisible.’
    ‘Stay off the radar completely. You might want to look at a full metal jacket. Someone like Ramid could do it.’
    Anneke stared at Jake. A total DNA jacket? Nano retroengineering? I don’t think I’m ready for that yet. Sounds too much like a drench vat to me.’
    Jake smiled ruefully and scratched his chin. ‘I guess. But “ghosts” make the best agents, as you know. And it’d be useful having you around, especially as I might be retiring.’
    Anneke stared at him. ‘You’re not retiring? Tell me you’re not.’
    ‘Not my call. Let’s say Rench visited me the other day. Made it very clear he didn’t like me and especially didn’t like my opposition to his views. Suggested strongly that I consider tendering my resignation. I refused. He then said bluntly that I could be retired, forcefully.’Jake sighed. ‘You know, Rench and I-and your uncle Viktus - all started in RIM together. We were friends for a while. Then things changed. Rench developed an enormous hatred towards Viktus and me.’
    ‘Why?’
    Jake waved that away. ‘Ancient history, Anneke. Doesn’t concern you, but I figured you