"Nope. I wonder if it could have been because we had their land and
their mines and didn't think they had anything of value around their
north pole?"
"You're speaking disrespectfully of the System," Malloy said in mild
disapproval. "You sound as though you think we moved in and took
planets over. All we did was develop latent resources--"
"--Make for the better life--"
"--Invite them to join us for a greater System--"
"--The same way the British and the Dutch and the French and the
Russians did in ancient times here on Terra."
* * * * *
Malloy regarded his big feet with hostility; as though they and not Rex
Tate had been speaking. "Do you want this assignment, or don't you?"
"Sure I want it." Rex grinned. What other department chief would let a
subordinate sound off? None except Malloy. That was one of the things
that made up for the low pay.
"All right--then shut your trap and listen. As I said, the Martians
backed off into those hills and caves and hung out a _Private_ sign
that we respected for three hundred years. Then, about six months ago,
a Martologist named Spencer got tired of testing flora and fauna in the
safe areas and wangled a permit to penetrate the taboo areas around
the pole."