"He may get a nasty bruise from a battle-ax."
"He hopes to avoid violence. If they won't join the LPF, or listen
to reason, he'll study them from a distance and write a report."
"I suppose I can't object, especially if he is paying his own way." Milo turned Glawen an incredulous stare.
"You can't be serious!
Julian is a politician, and pays for nothing."
"Julian doesn't have any money to speak of," said Wayness.
"As Dame Clyde's representative, he feels that tourist transport is unsuitable, and he wants full official treatment, which means at least a Station flyer with a pilot. Father just heaved a deep sigh and agreed.
You will be the pilot, if the idea appeals to you."
"It does if you and Wayness are coming. Otherwise, no."
"We'll go along to assist in the studies. Then it's settled."
"I don't think Julian will be all that pleased."
"No matter," said Wayness.
"Julian must learn to take the bitter with the sweet. It should be a memorable event."
The party from Riverview House was late. Glawen and Chiike had checked out the flyer with particular care.
"We can't let anything happen to Julian," Glawen told Chiike.
"He is an important politician and might well be the first Oomphaw of Throy."
"It's a good line of work to be in," said Chiike.
"Especially if you're helpless at everything else. What sort of chap is this Julian?"
"You can judge for yourself; he's just now arriving."
The carry-all halted beside the flyer. Julian jumped to the ground, crisp and natty in a broad-brimmed white hat and a suit of blue-and white-striped duck. Milo and Wayness followed, and took their travel bags to the flyer's luggage compartment.
Julian approached Chiike.
"Are we ready to go? Where is our flyer?"
"It's that black and yellow object just behind you," said Chiike.
Julian inspected the flyer in disbelief. He turned back to Chiike:
"What you have here is not at all suitable. Can't you provide something a bit more commodious, with better amenities?"
Chiike rubbed his chin.
"What leaps to mind is the tourist air-bus, if you're willing to wait a few days. You'd have lots of room and nice people to talk to."
"I am conducting an official survey," said Julian coldly.
"I
need and I expect both convenience and flexibility."
Chiike gave a good-humored chuckle.
"Think just a bit. This flyer is here and ready to go, which is true convenience.
It takes you wherever you point it, also up and down. That is flexibility. How much are you paying?"
"Nothing whatever, naturally."
"There's your flyer. You can't do better anywhere for the price."
Julian saw that no amount of hauteur could daunt the ingenuous Chiike, and moderated his tone.
"I suppose it will have to do." He took note of Glawen.
"Ho, there! The earnest young Bureau B agent! Have you come to see us off?"
"Not exactly."
