"Dentists! They can all be dentists."
"All?"
"Well, enough of them to provide for the planet's income."
"Why, that's marvelous," Miss Featherpenny said. "It won't matter that
other species think they're cute. Everybody takes dentists seriously."
"Their appearance will work for them," Andy said. "Think of children's
dentistry."
"Let's go tell them right away," Miss Featherpenny said, feeling like a
Bobbsey twin.
Andy swayed upward.
"Sit still," Miss Featherpenny commanded. "I'll bring you some coffee."
* * * * *
Blahrog accepted the suggestion with Felician phlegm and ministerial
greed. "We'll have to change the tax system, since most of our working
population will be living off-planet."
"Maybe you could work out a rotation system, Papa." Hrom had sneaked
into the council chamber.
"Wait a minute," Andy said uneasily. "How are you going to educate
these dentists?"
Blahrog stopped and thought. "We'll use the hotels for schools," he
said slowly. His face wrinkled with sly pleasure. "And we can sell the
coal surplus to pay teachers and buy equipment."
The Everking made a wicked-sounding comment in Felician.
The entire assembly burst into loud, beard-wagging laughter. It had a
nasty ring to it.
"What did he say?" Andy demanded.
"He said," Hrom giggled, "'Let them try to treat us like stuffed toys
now.'"
"Disgusting," said Miss Featherpenny.
"Indecent, Edie," Andy agreed. "But never mind. Let's go home and get
married."
"You're a little sudden."
Andy grinned. "I'll have a raise coming for this, and I'd like to keep
you in the family. I can't seem to think unless you're around."
"Took you long enough to notice," said Miss Featherpenny. But she
didn't say it out loud.