"The governing board has decided that landings were effected simultaneously. Consequently you will present all wares for decision in open competition. Please report immediately to the general offices." * * * * * So there we were, a few minutes later, standing in the council room of the Iapetus governing board; Cap Hanson, Lancelot Biggs, Diane, and myself, glaring angrily across the room at representatives from our competitor space-craft, the _Gemini_. _Gemini_ means "twins," which in this case was right, because the glares Cap Hanson and Cap Murgatroyd were hurling at each other were Siamese. The Iapetus governor, an Earthman named Larrabee--said quietly, "Gentlemen, welcome to our new colony. Now ... I believe you each carry cargoes on which you wish to claim commercial priorities for your respective companies? Will you be kind enough to declare the nature of these cargoes?" "Mine," said Cap Hanson loudly, "is flower seeds." And scowled at Murgatroyd. "Mine," said Murgatroyd loudly, "is flower seeds." And scowled at Cap Hanson. The Iapetus governor stroked his jaw thoughtfully. "This is a delicate situation, gentlemen. You both carry a cargo our colonists will receive eagerly. It may be rather difficult to decide which of you--but I must let you present your own cases. What types of flowers are you carrying?" "Roses," declared Cap Hanson defiantly. "Eighteen varieties of roses, includin' the rare, perennial Venusian swamp-rose." "I see. And you, Captain Murgatroyd?" "Thirty-four separate and distinct varieties of flowering plants," declared our opponent triumphantly, "including roses, geraniums, nasturtiums, pinks ... practically everything, sir!" "Ah, yes. That seems to be a point in your favor, Captain Murgatroyd. Now--the size of your cargoes--?" "Five hundred lead-sealed ten-bushel containers," gloated Captain Murgatroyd. "Very good. And you, Captain Hanson?" "The IPS," snarled the Old Man, "don't go in for samples! When we carry a cargo, we carry a cargo. Twelve hundred lead-sealed ten-bushel containers, Your Honor!" "Excellent! Excellent, Captain! That seems to be a point in _your_ favor. This is most difficult. Er ... Captain Murgatroyd ... perhaps you could give us some idea as to the growth potentialities of your flowers?" Murgatroyd grinned and dug into an inner pocket, brought forth a folder which he placed in the Governor's hands. "Yes, sir. Here is a four-color brochure issued by our Company, describing each and every type of plant we have brought to Iapetus, and reproducing pictures of those flowers in full natural color." * * * * *