higher-up

Updated: May 8, 2025

"Of course, it's possible that the whole thing is a put-up job a smoke screen for our benefit. That's why we must and will keep a closer watch. But only a few of the Earth's higher-up would know that it was a smoke screen; the rest believe it, whether it is true or not. MacMaine would have to be very careful not to let the wrong people get their hands on him if he returned."

Randall Garrett - The Highest Treason