“I’d like to present Dr. Jac Kennon, our new veterinarian,” Alexander said into the hush that followed their entrance. The introductions that followed were in proper form, and Kennon was beginning to feel more at ease until Eloise sent one of her Lani with a summons. He looked around for Alexander, but the entrepreneur was the center of a three-cornered argument, hemmed in by Douglas, Henry, and Anne. Henry’s voice was raised in bitter protest that Alexander was exceeding his authority. He shrugged. There was no help there. “All right,” he said, “tell your mistress I’ll be along in a moment.” “Yes, Doctor,” the Lani said, “but the Woman Eloise says for you to come, and she is not accustomed to being disobeyed.” “Tell her what I said,” Kennon replied. “I shall be there directly.” He crossed to the table and examined it, selecting a cluster of odd purple fruit which looked more interesting than it tasted. When he had finished he walked leisurely over to where Eloise sat. She looked at him angrily. “I am accustomed to being obeyed by my employees,” she said coldly. Her dark eyes, oddly like her brother’s, traversed his hard body like twin scanners. He returned her appraising stare with one of his own. “I’m not your employee,” he said bluntly. “I was hired by your brother, and there’s a full peeper rider on my contract.” His eyes traveled slowly over her carefully arranged hair, her make-up, her jewelry at throat and arms, her painted finger- and toenails, and then across the slim small-breasted lines of her body half revealed under her thin ankle-length tunic of Lyranian silk. “Satisfied?” she asked. “On Beta,” he said bluntly, “your appearance would qualify you for a parasite camp. Six months of hard labor would do you no end of good. You’re soft, lazy, and undisciplined.” Eloise gasped. “Why, you--” she sputtered. “And perhaps next time you’ll learn to be polite,” Kennon continued imperturbably. “After all, the superficial attributes of good breeding are not too hard to counterfeit.” To his surprise, Eloise giggled. “You bite, don’t you?” she asked. “Remind me to remember that.” “I shall.” “Of course, your actions weren’t good breeding either.” “Admitted--but I’ve never pretended to be what I’m not. I’m the son of a spaceship skipper, and I’m a veterinarian. That’s all.” “That’s not all. You are also a man.” Her face was sober, “It’s been some time since I’ve met one. I’d almost forgotten they existed.” “There’s your brother.” “Alex?--he’s a money making machine. Come--sit beside me and let’s talk.” “About what?” “You--me--your job, your life--anything you wish?” “That line isn’t exactly new,” Kennon grinned. “I know,” she admitted, “but it usually works.” “I’m immune.” “That’s what you think.” Eloise’s eyes were frankly appraising. “I think I could become interested in you.” “I have a job here. I don’t think I would have time to give you the attention you’d demand.”