THE PRICE OF EGGS By RANDALL GARRETT ILLUSTRATED by SUMMERS _Royal babies were pretty important on Dynak, even if they did hatch out of eggs. So when Boccaccio di Vino mated with the Shannil, everyone held their breath. Especially di Vino. He might not have much more of it._ [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Fantastic Science Fiction Stories December 1959. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] "You'll find things a lot different out here, Lieutenant," said Colonel Hastings as he eyed the newly-arrived officer in a manner which was intended to be detached, and which failed by a narrow margin to do quite that. He levelled his gaze. Lieutenant Donald John Newhouse nodded his head just the slightest and said, "Yes, sir." "I appreciate the fact that you have been specially trained for this work," the colonel went on, "and I appreciate that Sector Headquarters must think very highly of you to send you out on something like this. But it is my own personal opinion that it takes more than theoretical work to understand the situation on an alien planet that one has never visited. You've got to live with it." "Yes, sir," said Lieutenant Newhouse again. There was little else he could say; there was no point in arguing with the colonel. He was well aware that Colonel Hastings was angry because he had been unable to solve the problem that was facing him here on Dynak, and because Sector Headquarters had sent in a new man to do it--and a fresh-faced junior officer, at that. Logically, the colonel should have been angry with himself, not with Newhouse, but man does not function by logic alone. Colonel Hastings toyed with a pink paperweight with one hand and scratched his button nose with the other, while his eyes remained steadily on Newhouse. "I also appreciate the fact that you...." Newhouse listened respectfully to what the colonel had to say, mentally making a note to the effect that Colonel Hastings, on his own word, was a very appreciative man. He seemed to appreciate everything. "... And I assure you that you will have every bit of data which we have so far obtained at your disposal." He paused, and Newhouse, sensing that he should make some reply, said: "Thank you, sir; that will be very helpful." The colonel sighed. "Very well. Don't hesitate to call on me for anything, Lieutenant. And--uh--" He paused suddenly looking wistful, like a kicked collie. "Yes, sir?" said Newhouse respectfully. "--uh--I trust you will keep me informed--ah--for my own information." "As much as possible, sir," said Newhouse, trying hard not to feel sorry for the colonel. "Very well," Colonel Hastings said morosely. "Unless there are any questions, you may go."