The engineer rolled the sheets together with quick, intense motions. He
said: "None of your blasted business."
"I think I know. That's one-quarter a cyclotron. You're getting the
other parts made up in different foundries, aren't you?"
There was no answer.
"Maybe you've forgotten Stabilization Rule 930."
"I haven't forgotten. You're crazy."
"Want me to call for official inspection?"
The engineer took a breath, then shrugged. He said: "I suppose the only
way to convince you is to show you the master drafts. Come on--"
* * * * *
They left the foundry and trudged across the broad concrete of a
landing field to where the fat needle of the auxiliary ship lay. They
mounted the ramp to the side port and entered the ship. Inside, the
engineer called: "It's happened again, boys. Let's go!"
The port swung shut behind them. Spacemen drifted up from the
surrounding corridors and rooms. They were rangy and tough-looking and
the sub-nosed paralyzers glinted casually in their hands as though
they'd been cleaning them and merely happened to bring them along. The
foundryman looked around for a long time. At last he said: "So it's
this way?"
"Yes, it's this way. Sorry."
"I'd like you to meet some of my friends, some day--"
"Perhaps we will."
"They'll have an easier time with you than you're gonna have with me!"
He clenched fists and poised himself to spring.
The engineer said: "Hey--wait a minute. Don't lose your head. You did
me a good turn back there. I'd like to return the favor. I've got more
credit than I know what to do with."
The foundryman gave him a perplexed glance. He relaxed and began to rub
his chin dubiously.
He said: "Damn if this isn't a sociable ship. I feel friendlier
already--"
The engineer grinned.