"My guards--my so-called guards--how long have they been strolling back from the plant in company with the native women?" "Oh," he said, feeling a great relief that Y'Nor had not seen the true situation, "it's only that some of the out-going shifts coincide, sir, and--" "You know, don't you, that military men march to and from duty in military formation?" "Yes, sir." "You are aware of the importance of discipline?" "Yes, sir." "You are further aware of the fact that you, Dalon, and Graver, will be guilty of treason if this lack of discipline imperils my plans in any way?" "Yes, sir." "You have heard of the punishment for treason?" "Yes, sir." * * * * * He went below when the unpleasant business with Y'Nor was finally over. It was the beginning of the eight-hour sleep period for Dalon and Graver but they were still up, sitting on their bunks and staring dreamily into space. It was only belatedly, almost fuzzily, that they became aware of his glowering presence in the doorway. "I bring you glad tidings," he said, "from the commander's own lips. The multiple-gallows at State prison is still in perfect working order, especially the first three trapdoors--" The last day dawned, bright and sunny, and he went to see Brenn. "I had the new edict posted immediately," Brenn said. "I hope it will undo the damage." "Let's see it," Kane requested and Brenn handed him the handwritten original. It was: _Despite our affection for the Vogarians among us, we must not endanger them by any longer talking to them. A Vogarian military rule is now being enforced which forbids Vogarians to speak to Sanctuary girls except in the line of duty. There is a severe penalty for those who disobey this rule._ _It must also be pointed out, sternly to the Sanctuary girls and respectfully to the Vogarians, that flight into the uninhabited Sanctuary mountains would result in execution for the fleeing couples if Commander Y'Nor should ever find them._ "What's this?" Kane demanded, pointing to the last paragraph. "Why--a warning, sir." "Warning ... it's a suggestion!" "A suggestion?" Brenn lifted his hands in shocked protest. "But, sir, how could anyone think--" "I, personally, wouldn't give a damn if the entire crew was too love-sick to eat. But the commander does and my future welfare, including the privilege of breathing, depends upon my retaining what passes for his good will." "Good heavens--I shall have this edict removed from the bulletin boards at once!" "A great idea. It should fix up everything to lock the stable door now that the horse is stolen." * * * * *