“You just think you have,” Alexander said gleefully. “That’s what you have forgotten. You’ve gotten your agreement--now you will satisfy me. As I see it you have breached your contract by leaving Flora without authorization.” “That is right,” Kennon said. A small lump of lead began to grow rapidly larger in his stomach. Brainard was grinning and Copper’s eyes were shining. “You’ve been jobbed!” his mind told him. He sighed. He knew what was coming next. “The punitive clause for breach of contract,” Alexander went on inexorably, “is very broad. Discretion is vested in the entrepreneur. I can obtain judgment against you in any court on any planet.” “I know,” Kennon said glumly. “But I am going to be civilized,” Alexander said. “I am going to be merciful. I am going to extend your contract until phase-out has been completed. You are going to have control of the entire Kardon phase of the operation. It’s poetic justice--you made the mess--now you can clean it up.” “That’s inhuman!” “Humanity has nothing to do with it. It’s justice,” Alexander said. He smiled at Copper’s radiant face. The thought of going home was good to her. “Good luck on your new job, Dr. Kennon,” he said. “And welcome to the brotherhood of the ulcer.” End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Lani People, by J. F. Bone