Edward Everett Evans

“ Merely that plans were being made to gain control first of this planet, then the Federation, and after that the whole Galaxy.”
“Did he say who was with him in this outrageous undertaking?” Hawarden gasped, and Hanlon added, “We mean, was he alone in it, or was some other planet or system backing him?”
The emperor thought steadily for some time, then shook his head. “I don't seem to remember,” he sighed sadly. Nor could he, after half an hour's more concentration. “I am sorry I cannot give you that information, gentlemen. ”

“ Hanlon was intensely interested in this, but one thing puzzled him. He signalled Hawarden to one side, and asked in a whisper, “What's a toogan?”
“A native bird here much like your Terran parrots, but with even more beautiful plumage, and they can talk much better than parrots. They seem to have quite a lot of intelligence.”
Hanlon was instantly alert. “Get it back here for me.”
Puzzled but unquestioning, the admiral went to the visiphone and dialed the zoo. “Admiral Hawarden, Curator. I believe the Prime Minister's toogan was just delivered to you. There was a mistake. Please send it back ... ”

“ He flipped off the switch impatiently, and looked at the young Secret Serviceman with wondering eyes. A toogan? What on earth did the fellow want with ... this was the most amazing man he'd ever seen. ”

“ Hanlon nodded. “He was my roommate all through cadet school,” he explained. “It would give the whole works away if he saw me here.”
“He's our only good decoder,” Admiral Hawarden frowned. “We lost our best man. ”