"The _Perseus_ is in orbit with the whole Advisory Board. They want to hold a top-level summit conference with Director Hilton and Five-Jet Admiral Sawtelle." Dark Lady raised her voice enough to be sure Sawtelle heard the t.i.tle, and shot him a wicked glance as she announced it. "They hope to conclude all unfinished business on a mutually satisfactory and profitable basis."
"Okay, Lady, thanks. Tell "em we"ll call "em shortly."
Dark Lady flashed away and Hilton and Temple swam slowly toward a ladder.
"Drat Terra and everything and everybody on it," Temple said, vigorously. "And especially drat His Royal Fatness Five-Jet Admiral Gordon. How much longer will it take, do you think, to pound some sense into their pointed little heads?"
"Oh, we"re not doing too bad," Hilton a.s.sured his lovely bride. "Two or three more sessions ought to do it."
Everything was normal....
END
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