"I know, sir, that your sister was among the lost in Colony City. I am sorry. For the benefit of Mr. Sonig and Lord Narf, I would like to mention that the Verdam cruiser fired upon the Terran cruiser over neutral New Jardeen in open violation of Galactic Rule. An atmospheric feedback of the Verdam cruiser's own space blasters tore out its side and caused it to fall. The Terran cruiser never fired." "But Mr. Rockford--" Sonig spoke very courteously. "Isn't it true that certain safety devices prevent atmospheric feedback?" "They do--unless accidentally or purposely disconnected." Sonig raised his eyebrows. "You imply a created incident, sir?" "It doesn't matter," Val Boran said. His tone was as grim as his face and it was obvious he did not believe Rockford's explanation. "Colony City is a field of fused glass, now, its people are gone, and no amount of debating can ever bring them back." * * * * * * * * * The dismal dinner was finally over. Rockford stopped outside the door of their cabin to fill and light his pipe. "It was a profitable evening," he said to Hunter. "I can start planning in detail now--after a little beer, that is." _He'll go to sleep after he drinks his beer_, Hunter thought, _and there will never be any plan unless I--_ Soft footsteps came up the path behind them. It was Princess Lyla. "I want to apologize," she said, "I just told Val ... Mr. Boran the same thing." Her face was a pale oval in the starlight, her eyes dark shadows. "I'm sorry my husband mentioned the New Jardeen incident." "That's all right, Lyla," Rockford said. "No harm was done." "He's an ex-military man, and I guess it's his nature to be more forthright than tactful." "You certainly can't condemn him for that," Rockford said. "In fact, he's an extraordinary teller of entertaining stories. It was a most enjoyable evening." * * * * * "And, in a way, it was," Rockford said when she was gone and they were in the cabin. He was seated in the softest chair, a can of beer in his hand, as usual. Hunter thought of the way she had looked in the starlight and said, "Why did she let that windbag sit at the head of the table and ruin the meeting that she had arranged?" "He'll soon be her husband--I suppose she feels she should be loyal to him." "But--" "But what?" "Nothing. It's none of my business." "Oh?" Rockford smiled in a way Hunter did not like. "You think so, eh?" Hunter changed the subject. "Are you going to start talking to Boran to undo the damage Narf and Sonig have done?" "It would be a waste of time, my boy. Val Boran's mind is already made up." "Then what are you going to do?" "Drink six cans of beer and go to sleep." "I thought you had a plan." "I have, a most excellent plan." "What is it?" "You'd scream like a banshee if you knew. You'll learn--if you manage to live that long."