"Be good enough to write me an exact definition of my authority, stating that Kirdy must obey my orders in every detail."
Bodwyn Wook performed a small airy gesture.
"In this business we must deal with practicalities. I left the subject of authority a trifle vague. As you know, I want to augment Kirdy's self-esteem in every possible way. In fact, I might even have hinted that he was in charge of the operation."
Glawen threw documents and money down on the desk.
"In that case, my presence can only have an adverse effect upon the mission. The effort Kirdy puts in trying to murder me, and my efforts trying to avoid death, are both counterproductive. With enormous relief I definitely withdraw from the operation."
Bodwyn Wook's eyes snapped with anger.
"You are singing a brassy song! I advise you to moderate your legato."
"Even better, I shall do my singing elsewhere. I bid you good day." Glawen bowed and strode furiously for the door.
In a sullen voice Bodwyn Wook called out: "Come back here!
Can't you take a joke? You are as humorless as Hilda. You shall have your memorandum."
"I want much more than that. You must clearly inform Kirdy of my authority, and you must reduce his rank to sergeant."
"I can't do that! I have already confirmed the appointment."
"Explain that you have made a mistake. Further, I will take custody of his two thousand sols. He shall carry only a hundred sols pocket money. Next, instruct him to change from his uniform into less conspicuous clothes."
"All this is impossible! The ship leaves in an hour!"
"There is time. If necessary, the ship can wait. In any case I will not be aboard unless I am relieved of Kirdy's therapy. I would a thousand times prefer to go alone."
Bodwyn Wook shook his head.
"You are a willful young devil!
If insolence were bricks and insubordination mortar you could build a great palace for yourself."
"Not so, sir! You would never have given in so easily if I were not right!"
Bodwyn Wook laughed.
"Don't try to psychoanalyze your super visor; that is the most flagrant act of all! Hilda! Where is Kirdy?"
"Here in the outer office."
"Send him in."
Kirdy entered the office. Bodwyn Wook rose to his feet.
"I
tried to handle this affair by mishandling it. I was wrong, and now I must put things right. There is no animus in my judgment; I am fond of both of you. But there can only be a single commander to any operation, and it will be Glawen.
Kirdy, you will obey Glawen in all lawful orders. I must reduce your rank to sergeant, temporarily, I hope, and you must change from the uniform, since essentially this is a secret investigation. If you have grievances against Glawen, you must here and now put them aside, or resign from the mission. What is it to be?"
Kirdy shrugged.
"Whatever you say."
"I will take that to signify acquiescence. Finally, I will take custody of the money Hilda issued to you this morning."
Kirdy stood motionless, his face white, only his eyes alive.
Slowly he reached into his pocket, brought out the packet of money and placed it upon the table.
Bodwyn Wook said: "You must not consider this a defeat or a setback; your career is open before you. What have you to say?"
"I have heard your commands."
"Will you try to work on amicable terms with Glawen?"
"I will work with him, for the good of Araminta Station. My feelings are my own."
Glawen said: "You are certainly not the ideal associate, but it seems that we must work together. Let us be altogether forthright. You are now convalescent but you still suffer a disability which you described to me yesterday. Will not this disability make full cooperation difficult for you?"
Kirdy stood silent. Bodwyn Wook and Glawen stared at him, as did Hilda from the back of the room, all prepared for the qualified or ambiguous reply which would irrevocably remove Kirdy from the operation.
Kirdy said tonelessly: "Yes. We shall work together."
Glawen spoke curtly: "Then go change into ordinary clothes and go directly to the spaceport. I'll see you aboard the ship."
