done."

"If he knew what was going on, it would be my neck. It has to be
stopped. Write an edict--do anything that will stop it at once."

Brenn stroked his white beard thoughtfully. "I'm sorry this unforeseen
situation has occurred, sir. Will you have strict orders to the same
effect given your men?"

"There's a severe penalty for unauthorized fraternization. I'll see
that they're well reminded of it."

"I'll write another edict, at once, forbidding the girls to speak to
your men, sir."

* * * * *

Y'Nor was pacing the floor when Kane went to the ship, his face black
and ugly with anger.

"Have you been blind?" he demanded.

Kane tried to swallow a sinking feeling, wondering just how much Y'Nor
had seen, and said, "Sir?"

"My guards--my so-called guards--how long have they been strolling
back from the plant in company with the native women?"

"Oh," he said, feeling a great relief that Y'Nor had not seen the true
situation, "it's only that some of the out-going shifts coincide, sir,
and--"

"You know, don't you, that military men march to and from duty in
military formation?"

"Yes, sir."

"You are aware of the importance of discipline?"

"Yes, sir."

"You are further aware of the fact that you, Dalon, and Graver, will
be guilty of treason if this lack of discipline imperils my plans in
any way?"

"Yes, sir."

"You have heard of the punishment for treason?"

"Yes, sir."

* * * * *

He went below when the unpleasant business with Y'Nor was finally
over. It was the beginning of the eight-hour sleep period for Dalon
and Graver but they were still up, sitting on their bunks and staring
dreamily into space. It was only belatedly, almost fuzzily, that they
became aware of his glowering presence in the doorway.

"I bring you glad tidings," he said, "from the commander's own lips.
The multiple-gallows at State prison is still in perfect working
order, especially the first three trapdoors--"

The last day dawned, bright and sunny, and he went to see Brenn.

"I had the new edict posted immediately," Brenn said. "I hope it will
undo the damage."

"Let's see it," Kane requested and Brenn handed him the handwritten
original. It was:

_Despite our affection for the Vogarians among us, we must not
endanger them by any longer talking to them. A Vogarian military rule
is now being enforced which forbids Vogarians to speak to Sanctuary
gir