“We can give it the old college try. But it’s going to take some detective work.” “Where do we start?” “With Bay Ten. We look it over real well. Then we check the diet and habits of the Lani. Then we check each individual Lani. Then we check the life cycle of the parasite. Somewhere along the line if we’re lucky we’ll find a weak point that can be attacked.” “That’s a big order,” Blalok said. “It can’t be helped. That’s the way it is. Of course, we’re lucky that we’re on an isolated land mass. That gives us an advantage. We should be able to clean this up.” “How long do you think it will take?” “It depends on how well the fluke is established. Six months at the minimum--and I wouldn’t care to guess at the maximum. However, I hope the minimum will be time enough.” “So do I,” Blalok said. “Well,” Kennon said, “let’s get on with it.” “I hope it won’t interrupt our program,” Jordan said. “Of course it will interrupt it,” Kennon replied. “It can’t help it. Get the idea in your head that you’re facing something here that can cripple you--maybe abort your whole operation. You have a choice--interrupt now or abort later. And half measures won’t work. To eradicate this pest requires an all-out effort.” “But I can’t see why we can’t merely bypass Bay Ten--” Jordan said. “Take my word for it,” Kennon said. “You can’t. There’s no accurate way of telling how far this spreads until the death losses occur. Our tests for fluke infestation aren’t that good. We have to work thoroughly and carefully. We can’t be butting heads over this--either we all co-operate or this whole operation will blow up in our faces. “Look at the record. Six months ago you ended a year with no deaths from disease. Five months ago Old Doc and two Lani were ill. Four months ago one of the two Lani was dead and Old Doc was too ill to be effective. Three months ago Old Doc and the other Lani were dead, and before the end of the month two more followed them. Two months ago six died, last month eight, and so far this month you’ve lost four and you have over two weeks to go. Up to now they’ve all been from here, but two this month were at other stations. In six months if nothing is done, we’ll be having losses there unless we’re lucky. And the losses will keep on increasing. Apparently you don’t know what it is to live with parasites--so let me tell you. It isn’t pleasant!” Blalok shrugged. “You needn’t get hot about it,” he said. “After all, you’re the Doc--and we’ll co-operate.” Jordan nodded. “We will,” he said. “All the way.” CHAPTER X