* * * * * Kingman viewed the list with distaste. "There are a number of items here which I may not allow," he said. "For instance?" asked Channing with lifted eyebrows. "One, the manufacture or fabrication of power transmission tubes by anyone except Terran Electric is forbidden. Two, your purpose in wanting to make tubes is not clearly set forth. Three, the circuit in which you intend to use these tubes is unorthodox, and must be clearly and fully drawn and listed." "Oh, spinach! How can we list and draw a circuit that is still in the embryonic stage?" "Then clarify it. Until then I shall withhold permission." "But look, Mr. Kingman, we're going to develop this circuit as we go along." "You mean that you're going to fumble your way through this investigation?" "We do not consider a cut-and-try program as fumbling," said Walt Franks. "I am beginning to believe that your research department has not the ability to reduce your problems to a precise science," said Kingman coldly. "Name me a precise science," snapped Channing, "or even a precise art!" "The legal trade is as precise as any. Everything we do is done according to legal precedent." "I see. And when there is no precedent?" "Then we all decide upon the proper course, and establish a precedent." "But I've got to show you a complete circuit before you'll permit me to go ahead?" "That's not all. Your program must not include reproducing these tubes either in miniature or in full size--or larger. Give me your requirements and I shall request Terran Electric to perform the fabrication." "Look, Kingman, Venus Equilateral has facilities to build as good a tube as Terran Electric. I might even say better, since our business includes the use, maintenance, and development of radio tubes; your tubes are not too different from ours. Plus the fact that we can whack out six in one day, whilst it will take seventy-three hours to get 'em here after they're built on Terra." "I'm sorry, but the legal meaning of the patent is clear. Where is your legal department?" "We have three. One on each of the Inner Planets." "I'll request you to have a legal representative come to the station so that I may confer with him. One with power of attorney to act for you." "Sorry," said Channing coldly. "I wouldn't permit any attorney to act without my supervision." "That's rather a backward attitude," said Kingman. "I shall still insist on conducting my business with one of legal mind." "O.K. We'll have Peterman come out from Terra. But he'll still be under my supervision." "As you wish, I may still exert my prerogative and remove the tubes from your possession." "You may find that hard to do," said Channing. "That's illegal!"