"I am no less delighted to be here, in this sanctum of virtue and high principle."
"We do our best," said Bodwyn Wook.
"Kind words, however, are few. Only criminals seem to recognize our excellence."
"And, so I hope, a few others like myself."
"From time to time." Bodwyn Wook pointed to a chair.
"Sit down, if you will. Ysel and Rune are just off about their duties; urgent events are in the wind!"
"Really!" said Namour, looking curiously after the departing captains
"Should I ask what is going on, or would you prefer that I feign disinterest?"
"It is no secret. The Oomphaw is up to some new tricks. He took my nephew Kirdy into custody on trumped-up charges: an act of sheer insolence which I do not propose to take lightly."
Namour pursed his lips.
"The Bold Lion excursion seems to have been a general fiasco. I had a quick word with Aries and he tells me that Kirdy stole his cloak and tore it to shreds. He cannot reconcile this act with the Bold Lion code of conduct, and is totally baffled."
"I agree that it would seem an unusual act, especially in connection with a Wook. I am sure that Kirdy will have a sensible explanation. I might mention that both he and Glawen were engaged upon a Bureau B operation. The damaged cloak was used only as a pretext to hold Kirdy."
"Ah! That explains the furor! And you want me to use my good offices, such as they are, in the case?"
"Not at all! Titus Pompo has casually announced his independence:
a bit of pip-squeak arrogance which we will nip in the bud, and in fact I dispatched an armed force to bring Kirdy back and to perform a few other routine inspections. All this will put Titus Pompo's nose out of joint, and our relationship will be taking a new tack. While awaiting news, I thought to discuss these new conditions with you."
Namour thoughtfully rubbed his jaw.
"I am at your service.
But before making definite proposals I would like to consider the matter overnight. So now, if you will excuse me--" Namour started to rise, but Bodwyn Wook waved him back into his seat.
"Deliberate to your heart's content, but first let me suggest some topics. Perhaps you will wish to take notes."
"Yes, yes," muttered Namour.
"Whatever you like." He availed himself of writing materials.
Bodwyn Wook leaned back in his chair, clasped his hands over his small belly and looked up to the ceiling.
"Our goal is a world without Yips. The Lutwen Islands will be the tourist headquarters, a base from which they can enjoy the beauties of the Conservancy. My timetable is ten years."
Namour looked up with eyebrows high.
"Are you serious?"
"You have used the right word in a correct context," said Bodwyn Wook.
"I am a serious man; I am proposing a serious solution to a problem which is not only serious but critical! Our ancestors have lived a golden dream where frivolity held sway. They saw the cloud on the horizon, but turned their backs, waiting for men like you and me and Glawen, now dozing on the couch, to set matters straight.
Ten years is not unrealistic. Am I right, Glawen?"
"Eh? Yes, sir! Ten years exactly."
Namour said ruefully: "It seems that I must alter the tempo of my life."
"And rather more besides," said Bodwyn Wook.
"It is no secret that your perquisities include the services of seven, or perhaps eight, Yip girls."
"Just six," said Namour.
"Six, then. Their functions are no doubt needful and various, but at this time the phaseout of Yip employees must be expedited, and you must set an example. Are you writing?"
"Yes indeed.
"Yip phaseout: expedited. Set example."" "However and this will form the matter for item two special treatment for Yip domestic help of long and faithful service may be allowed. Attrition with non-Yip replacement will be the rule, both at the Station and out among the lodges. Prepare a chart indicating attrition rates, along with a list of what we shall call Special-Class Yips."
"Very good, sir. Chart and list. I see that I will be quite busy. In fact " "Not yet! There's more. Item three: recruit new agricultural workers from places with an agricultural tradition, and technical help from technical environments, and not the other way around."
Namour made notes.
"That is now clear."
"Your tone is sardonic," said Bodwyn Wook.
