Roysland was about to say something when the door flew open and a heavy body propelled its way inside. It was General Director Eckisster, and he was very obviously seething mad. He glanced around the room and his eyes lit on Bilford. "May I ask, sir," he thundered, "why I have been kept from seeing Roysland Dwyn for two weeks? And why these men are allowed to see him now?" He didn't wait for an answer, but turned toward Roysland. "As for you, sir, I am filing a reprimand--officially. You had no business using the X-69 as military vessel during time of war without my permission. You might have been killed, and I need you!" Roysland started to answer, but Commander Allerdyce was one jump ahead of him. He smiled serenely at Eckisster and said: "My dear director, don't you think such an action would be just a bit confusing? Captain Dobrin recommended that Roysland Dwyn be given the Golden Cluster for bravery in action above and beyond the call of duty. I added my recommendation and sent it on to the Regent's office. The Regent himself has given his approval. Surely, a reprimand now would be a bit unseemly." Eckisster glowered. "My dear commander," he said, "it so happens that Roysland Dwyn is the mainstay of my directorate. It also happens to be a fact that I have a perfect right to threaten to do any damned thing I want to. It keeps him mad at me, so he works like a beaver to show me up. I threaten, cajole, intimidate, scream, and ask silly questions. It works. If you won't tell me how to run my directorate, I won't tell you how to run your spacefleet. At least not very often. Fair enough?" Again, he did not pause for an answer, but looked back at Roysland. "And you, you get out of that bed as soon as this twitch doctor lets you. You have a gun to build. A mindjammer. Get busy. I'll expect you in my office later. Good-by." He turned and stamped out. Allerdyce stared at the closed door for a moment, then turned and grinned. "I guess I got told." "You did," said Bilford, "and you're going to get told again. All of you. Clear out. The patient has had enough excitement for today. Scram." * * * * * It took the five men several more minutes to leave, but Bilford was finally alone with Roysland. "Did you know that about Eckisster?" Bilford asked. "That he needles people with a purpose in mind?" "Sure," said Roysland. "I've known it for years. I don't say that it works the way he thinks it does, but at least it keeps the job exciting. I think everybody needs a little needling now and then." Bilford nodded. "I know you agree with him. You're a bigger needler than he is, any day." "Me?" Roysland looked surprised.