“I am indeed, Professor Daystar,” Trewlin answered. “I am here to review your request  for copies of certain obscure library files. Our guests are here, as per library rules, because they have additional, related questions.”

“I see,” she said as she took her chair, without asking their permission to sit, and leaned back.  “The requests, which refer to the First Empire, appeared to me to be quite innocuous: Lists of star positions.  However, sometimes others see in a request issues that you did not.”

“Indeed,” Trewlin  said. “That is the issue here, which is why our honored guests are Terran Navy Commander Isaac Rosenstein and Senior Librarian Jurseth Luthchur.”

“Senior Librarian,” Daystar said, nodding in respect. “Commander.”

“You saluted the Corporal outside,” Rosenstein snapped, “and not me?”

“I,” Daystar answered, “saluted the Star of Jinjur, the medal he wore, the highest Second Empire decoration.  After all, the Anglic Union maintained until the end pacific diplomatic relations with the Empire.”

“Yes, he did have some award or another.  Let’s get on with it.” Rosenstein announced.  “I’m here because we have certain questions for you, questions you will answer truthfully if you want library access.”

Daystar could read the looks on the faces of the two Jinjurians.  The research librarian was showing shocked astonishment.   Senior Librarian Luthchur showed the deep sadness of one who knows that there is a boot on his neck, a boot that will remain there forever.

“I am happy to give truthful answers,” Daystar said.  “That’s an obligation of my Service.”

“Your Service being?” Rosenstein asked.

“I am the Professor of Ancient History at June Moffat Memorial University,” Daystar answered.  “My current interest is studying First-Empire literary-critical quarrels arising from inadequate astrographic data, notably incorrect references to warp point connections.  I was…”

“First Empire literary criticism?” Rosenstein shouted.  “ Literary criticism from a thousand centuries ago?  What nonsense are you claiming? That’s obviously totally lacking in practical value.”

“As I was saying,” Daystar continued, oblivious to Rosenstein’s bellows, “I was seconded by my University to the Anglic Union Astrographic Service, so I could be sent here to do my research.”

“I’ve never heard of you people?” Rosenstein grumbled.  “Do you really exist?”