"Then call them off, beginning with the department chairman. And if you
make a single mistake, I'll have my girl shoot you on the spot."
Ginger raised her blaster eagerly.
A minute later she lowered it in disappointment.
"Very well," I said. "You weren't lying. Now tell me why you came here.
And be brief, if you please. Because, fifteen minutes from now I want
you on your ship heading back to wherever you came from."
The professor stared at me for a moment. "The truth is, I came to see
you."
Ginger blushed, the first time I had ever seen her do a thing like
that. "Wait outside," I told her sternly.
When we were alone I faced him inquiringly.
"Oh don't misunderstand me," he began. "It isn't anything personal.
And then again, maybe it is. You see, in my academic language, you
represent the charismatic personality."
"Just what do you mean?" I demanded.
"Well, as I told you, I'm studying juvenile delinquency, gangs, and
leaders of gangs--the whole problem of youth's orientation in society,
and the way he reacts. Frankly, Vera, you and your gang have built up
a terrible reputation in adult circles, and I, for one, am perfectly,
fascinated. I wonder if you'd admit me to your gang?"
"What the hell are you talking about!" I was really shocked.
"Oh--oh--strictly as an observer, mind you. For a short time only."
"Not a chance, professor."
"You see, I'm seeking to understand--and it would be a contribution
to social science if you'd help me find out--just why you teenagers
are striking out at each other, scorning adult society, rejecting the
opposite sex. And equally interesting to me is the subtle change that
takes place each time a--"
I cut him short. "Look, Professor Worth. You said you haven't been
matrixed. Then this is no place for you to set up shop. Because war is
our way of life, and someone is liable to kill you just for the fun of
it. Bad situation for a man like yourself who can only afford to die
once."