"It is for me to ensure that this mission goes smoothly.

Under present conditions, it is not possible."

"That is a fair statement. What, then, must we settle?"

"Your antagonism. It is not justified."

Kirdy frowned in puzzlement.

"You are not talking sensibly.

After all, it is my antagonism, not yours. How can you know on what basis it is founded.?"

"Your sufferings at Yipton were severe. I did not share them, and for this reason you are resentful. Am I correct?"

"In some degree."

"Your own blunders and bad judgment brought on your troubles. It is not rational to blame me. It is the work of your subconscious mind, which does not want to admit a fault. You must bring yourself under control."

Kirdy laughed once more.

"Spare me your platitudes. I will use the mental processes I find most convenient."

Glawen studied Kirdy's face. The large blunt features, once so easy, pink and mild, now seemed to be formed from rigid cartilage. Glawen asked uneasily: "Why not use your ordinary old conscious mind? That seems a good plan to me."

"Ah, little do you know! That mind was smashed into twittering little gobbets; they fly blindly back and forth through my head like bats in a dark room. I find them a source of annoyance, since another mind is now in charge, and the annoyances will be" here Kirdy pinched his thumb and forefinger together "so. And thus ..." Kirdy stopped short.

"And thus what?"

"Nothing."

"Do you want advice?"

"I will listen, whether I want it or not. I thereby learn!"

Kirdy gave Glawen a knowing leer.

"Advise on, Glawen! Let us learn how you would assist me in my career."

"First, why be in such a hurry to expunge your old mind?

Maybe it will join together again. Second " "I already know the second. Stay at home. Rest, enjoy life, read some amusing books. Let Glawen advance his career in peace."

"Call it what you like, but the facts are real. We cannot work together if every time I turn my back you pick up an ax. That makes for uncomfortable conditions."

Kirdy considered.

"Only from your point of view."

"But you fail to grasp the central point! You have no reason for this attitude!"

Kirdy looked off across the rotunda and spoke in boredom:

"Oh, I have reason! Several reasons! Many reasons! You will never know them! Perhaps they could not be put into words!

Perhaps they are even irrational. If so, who cares? I feel them, nonetheless."

"If you recognize these reasons as irrational, can you put them aside?"

"If necessary."

"Do you agree that it is necessary?"

"I will give the matter thought... Where are you going?"

"Back up to Bodwyn Wook's office."

"I will come with you."

Hilda wordlessly ushered the two back into the inner office.

Bodwyn Wook looked up in irritation.

"What is it now?"

"This situation is impossible," said Glawen.

"Kirdy is not in good mental health! He won't even promise not to kill me!"

"Of course he won't!" snapped Bodwyn Wook.

"Why should he?

Have I promised not to kill you? Has Hilda? Has anyone? You are on the verge of hysteria!"

Glawen strove to keep his voice calm.

"Let me put it this way. A team cannot function if its members do not trust each other. Kirdy is not sane and I don't see how I can work with him."

Bodwyn Wook turned to Kirdy: "Let us settle this once and for all. Are you sane or not?"

"I consider myself sane."

"Can you work with Glawen?"

"The question more properly should be: "Can he work with me?"" Glawen started to speak, but Bodwyn Wook waved his arms high in the air.

"Glawen, you may go! I will talk to Kirdy and put this affair into perspective. Not another word! I will see you in the morning."