Miles nodded. "The _Space Queen_ was a honey. But that was five years ago. Why all this retrospection? And Jeff's got quite a few other ships to love these days--our whole fleet!" "We'll forget about Jeff," Tanner went on. "This is between you and me. I mentioned the _Space Queen_ because the day we launched her was the day Carol walked into the office looking for a job. I hired her. She worked for me in the research labs for three years and everything was fine. Then you butted your nose in and convinced her she belonged in operations. She switched to your office--all very polite, but don't think for one damned minute I didn't know what you had in mind!" "Bert, I swear to God if you don't stop blatting like a drunken spacer, I'll--" "You'll what?" Tanner moved toward the desk and stood in front of Berendt. He was shorter by three inches, but his body was stockier. "Beat some sense into my thick skull? Teach me the facts of life? Maybe I've got a few ideas like that right now. Maybe I know all I have to know. Like talking me into giving you carte blanche in handling the Lines business affairs. Like--" "We discussed that pretty thoroughly, Bert. You decided you wanted to stick close to the research and shop end. And--" "--like stealing my girl." * * * * * Miles Berendt stiffened. The concern that had been on his features changed to shocked surprise. And then sudden anger. "Now listen here, Bert. If you've got any crazy ideas about Carol and me--" "You're going to deny that you are in love with her?" Berendt shoved his hands back in his pockets. "That, Bert, is none of your business. And if you've got some paranoic idea that I'm doing something behind your back then I suggest you see Doctor Lenning. Aside from that, aren't you presuming a bit about Carol's feelings?" "When she was working with me she used to be pretty close to me. You changed that. Maybe I ought to change a few things too. Like your face for instance." The two men stared at each other tensely, silently. Tanner's eyes were glowing now with repressed hatred. Miles Berendt showed disbelief, as if he were seeing Bert Tanner for the first time. "I don't want to fight you, Bert. Not that I'm afraid to. It's just that you're so wrong about everything. Good heavens, man--" "On top of everything you're yellow." Bert spat the word out. Miles pulled his hands from his pockets and his grey eyes hardened. "You shouldn't have said that, Bert. I don't have to take that from anyone, not even my closest friend." "Then take this!" Tanner swung his right hand in a sharp uppercut swing. But two things prevented the blow from landing. One was Miles Berendt's swift backward move, and the other was the sharp slamming of the office door and a gay feminine voice. "Hi, gang! Hey, what's going on in here? You boys fighting over someone?" she laughed.