"Perhaps--and of course, the use of a secondary medium is undesirable. This matter of interrupted or uninterrupted service is not the major point, however. The major point is that their license to operate as a major monopoly under the Communications Act insists that one relayed message must pass through their station--Venus Equilateral--during every twenty-four hour period. This is a safety measure, to ensure that their equipment is always ready to run--even in periods when relaying is not necessary." "Venus Equilateral has been off the air before this." Kingman cleared his throat. "A number of times," he agreed. "But each time that discontinuance of service occurred, it was during a period of emergency--and in each instance this emergency was great enough to demand leniency. Most of the times an explanation was instantly forthcoming; the other times were after seeking and receiving permission to suspend operations during the emergency period. This, gentlemen, is Twenty-three December and no message has passed through the Venus Equilateral Relay Station since noon on Twenty December." "Your statements, if true, indicate that Venus Equilateral has violated their license," nodded Hollister. "However, we are inclined to be lenient with them because they have been exemplary in the past and--" "And," interrupted Kingman, "they are overconfident. They think that they are big enough and clever enough to do as they damn well please!" "Indeed?" "Well, they've been doing it, haven't they?" "We've seen no reason for interfering with their operations. And they are getting the messages through." Kingman smiled. "How?" Hollister shrugged. "If you claim they aren't using the station, I wouldn't know." "And if the government were to ask--you would be quite embarrassed." "Then what do you suggest?" asked Hollister. "Venus Equilateral has failed to live up to the letter of their license regardless of what medium they are using to relay communications around Sol," said Kingman. "Therefore I recommend that you suspend their license." "And then who will run Venus Equilateral?" asked Hollister. "As of three years ago, the Terran Electric Company of Evanston, Illinois, received an option on the operation of an interplanetary communications company," said Kingman. "This option was to operate at such a time as Venus Equilateral ceased operating. Now, since Venus Equilateral has failed, I suggest that we show them that their high-handedness will not be condoned. I recommend that this option be fulfilled; that the license now held by Venus Equilateral be suspended and turned over to Terran Electric."