Jason helped himself to some chilled water
from the bottle, and sank back into the chair, exhausted. Something
whizzed in through the open window, tearing a hole in the protective
screen. Kerk blasted it without changing stride, without even knowing he
had done it.

The decision didn't take long. Geared to swift activity, the big Pyrran
found it impossible not to decide quickly. The pacing stopped and a
finger stabbed at Jason.

"I don't say you have convinced me, but I find it impossible to find a
ready answer to your arguments. So until I do, we will have to operate
as if they are true. Now what do you plan to do, what _can_ you do?"

Jason ticked the points off on his fingers. "One, I'll need a place to
live and work that is well protected. So instead of spending my energies
on just remaining alive I can devote some study to this project. Two, I
want someone to help me--and act as a bodyguard at the same time. And
someone, please, with a little more scope of interest than my present
watchdog. I would suggest Meta for the job."

"Meta?" Kerk was surprised. "She is a space pilot and defense-screen
operator, what good could she possibly be on a project like this?"

"The most good possible. She has had experience on other worlds and can
shift her point of view--at least a bit. And she must know as much about
this planet as any other educated adult and can answer any questions I
ask." Jason smiled. "In addition to which she is an attractive girl,
whose company I enjoy."

Kerk grunted. "I was wondering if you would get around to mentioning
that last reason. The others make sense though, so I'm not going to
argue. I'll round up a replacement for her and have Meta sent here.
There are plenty of sealed buildings you can use."

After talking to one of the assistants from the outer office, Kerk made
some calls on the screen. The correct orders were quickly issued. Jason
watched it all with interest.

"Pardon me for asking," he finally said. "But are you the dictator of
this planet? You just snap your fingers and they all jump."

"I suppose it looks that way," Kerk admitted. "But that is just an
illusion. No one is in complete charge on Pyrrus, neither is there
anything resembling a democratic system. After all, our total population
is about the size of an army division. Everyone does the job they are
best qualified for. Various activities are separated into departments
with the most qualified person in charge. I run