“Just how long have you been with the Star Watch, lieutenant?” “Six weeks, sir. Three weeks aboard a starship bringing me out to Perseus Alpha VI, a week at the planetary base there, and two weeks aboard the cruiser SW4-J188. That is, it’s been six weeks since I received my commission. I’ve been at the Academy ... the Star Watch Academy on Mars ... for four years.” “You got through the Academy in four years?” “That’s the regulation time, sir.” “Yes, I know.” The ship eased out of its berth. There was a moment of free-fall, then the drive engine came on and the grav-field equilibrated. “Tell me, lieutenant, how did you get picked for this assignment?” “I wish I knew, sir,” Hector said, his lean face twisting into a puzzled frown. “I was working out a program for the navigation officer ... aboard the cruiser. I’m pretty good at that ... I can work out computer programs in my head, mostly. Mathematics was my best subject at the Academy—” “Interesting.” “Yes, well, anyway, I was working out this program when the captain himself came on deck and started shaking my hand and telling me that I was being sent on special duty on Acquatainia by direct orders of the Commander-in-Chief. He seemed very happy ... the captain, that is.” “He was no doubt pleased to see you get such an unusual assignment,” Leoh said tactfully. “I’m not so sure,” Hector said truthfully. “I think he regarded me as some sort of a problem, sir. He had me on a different duty-berth practically every day I was on board the ship.” “Well now,” Leoh changed the subject, “what do you know about psychonics?” “About what, sir?” “Eh ... electroencephalography?” Hector looked blank. “Psychology, perhaps?” Leoh suggested, hopefully. “Physiology? Computer molectronics?” “I’m pretty good at mathematics!” “Yes, I know. Did you, by any chance, receive any training in diplomatic affairs?” “At the Star Watch Academy? No, sir.” Leoh ran a hand through his thinning hair. “Then why did the Star Watch select you for this job? I must confess, lieutenant, that I can’t understand the workings of a military organization.” Hector shook his head ruefully, “Neither do I, sir.” VII The next week was an enervatingly slow one for Leoh, evenly divided between tedious checking of each component of the dueling machine, and shameless ruses to keep Hector as far away from the machine as possible. The Star Watchman certainly wanted to help, and he actually _was_ little short of brilliant in doing intricate mathematics completely in his head. But he was, Leoh found, a clumsy, chattering, whistling, scatterbrained, inexperienced bundle of noise and nerves. It was impossible to do constructive work with him nearby. _Perhaps you’re judging him too harshly_, Leoh warned himself. _You just might be letting your frustrations with the dueling machine get the better of your sense of balance._