[dogscoff]

Assuming that someone 'trusts you' because they have a treaty with you is a bit naive. Let's just let the target's counter-intel level determine the chance of success.

OK, so you're at war with the Xi-chung but you're at peace with the Phong. You're walking down the street on your homeworld and you see a giant bug in a trenchcoat hanging around outside the Census office. You call the police and they cart him away. You probably wouldn't even notice the friendly yellow guy with the bulgy eyes stood next to him...

My point is that in an inter-species war like this, an enemy agent would stick out like a sore thumb. Sure, you could still pay locals to do your dirty work or use disguises or remote technology or something, but a "friendly" spy would be able to move about and ask questions without attracting too much attention.

[ March 21, 2003, 12:06: Message edited by: dogscoff ]