thegooddoctor
2/28/2021
Spoiler alert
Story is set on earth, in the present, featuring an alien (1 species) and RNA pills to acquire new knowledge, see also "Rammer story by Niven. A bartender (not Rick Schumann) takes knowledge pills supplied by an alien known as a Monk, and is grilled by the U.S. secret service for information. He develops unusual mental powers, including some significant persuasive abilities, from taking a "prophet pill".
Definitely not one of my favourite Niven stories.
My rating system: I begin with one star being equivalent to a rating of "C -". Progressing upwards, I add ½ star for each step, up to the maximum 5 stars, which is equivalent to a rating of "A"+. I reserve ½ star for BOMBS, there being no option of zero or negative stars.