Co-ordination and
Supply, which is about the loosest category. We fill in the gaps between
departments and handle procuring from off-planet."

* * * * *

Meta came in then and talked to Kerk. She completely ignored Jason's
presence. "I was relieved and sent here," she said. "What is it? Change
in flight schedule?"

"You might call it that," Kerk said. "As of now you are dismissed from
all your old assignments and assigned to a new department: Investigation
and Research. That tired-looking fellow there is your department head."

"A sense of humor," Jason said. "The only native-born one on Pyrrus.
Congratulations, there's hope for the planet yet."

Meta glanced back and forth between them. "I don't understand. I can't
believe it. I mean a new department--why?"

"I'm sorry," Kerk said. "I didn't mean to be cruel. I thought perhaps
you might feel more at ease. What I said was true. Jason has a way--or
may have a way--to be of immense value to Pyrrus. Will you help him?"

Meta had her composure back. And a little anger. "Do I have to? Is that
an order? You know I have work to do. I'm sure you will realize it is
more important than something a person from _off-planet_ might imagine.
He can't really understand--"

"Yes. It's an order." The snap was back in Kerk's voice. Meta flushed at
the tone.

"Perhaps I can explain," Jason broke in. "After all the whole thing is
my idea. But first I would like your co-operation. Will you take the
clip out of your gun and give it to Kerk?"

Meta looked frightened, but Kerk nodded in solemn agreement. "Just for a
few minutes, Meta. I have my gun so you will be safe here. I think I
know what Jason has in mind, and from personal experience I'm afraid he
is right."

Reluctantly Meta passed over the clip and cleared the charge in the
gun's chamber. Only then did Jason explain.

"I have a theory about life on Pyrrus, and I'm afraid I'll have to
shatter some illusions when I explain. To begin with, the fact must be
admitted that your people are slowly losing the war here and will
eventually be destroyed--"

Before he was half through the sentence, Meta's gun was directed between
his eyes and she was wildly snapping the trigger. There was only hatred
and revulsion in her expression. Kerk took her by the shoulders and sat
her in his chair, before anything worse happened. It took a while before
she could calm down enough to listen to Jason's words. It is