a quick double take. Alexander's investigative staff was
better than good. It was uncanny.

"But seriously, Dr. Kennon, I am pleased that you do not like that
contract. Frankly, I wouldn't consider employing you if you did."

"Sir?"

"That contract is a screen. It weeds out the careless, the fools, and
the unfit in one operation. A man who would sign a thing like that
has no place in my organization." Alexander chuckled at Kennon's blank
expression. "I see you have had no experience with screening contracts."

"I haven't," Kennon admitted. "On Beta the tests are formal. The
Medico-Psych Division supervises them."

"Different worlds, different methods," Alexander observed. "But they're
all directed toward the same goal. Here we aren't so civilized. We
depend more on personal judgment." He took another contract from one of
the drawers of his desk. "Take a look at this. I think you'll be more
satisfied."

"If you don't mind, I'll read it now," Kennon said.

Alexander nodded.

* * *

"It's fair enough," Kennon said, "except for Article Twelve."

"The personal privilege section?

"Yes."

"Well, that's the contract. You can take it or leave it."

"I'll leave it," Kennon said. "Thank you for your time." He rose to his
feet, smiled at Alexander, and turned to the door. "Don't bother to call
your receptionist," he said. "I can find my way out."

"Just a minute, Doctor," Alexander said. He was standing behind the
desk, holding out his hand.

"Another test?" Kennon inquired.

Alexander nodded. "The critical one," he said. "Do you want the job?"

"Of course."

"Without knowing more about it?"

"The contract is adequate. It defines my duties."

"And you think you can handle them?"

"I know I can."

"I notice," Alexander observed, "that you didn't object to other
provisions."

"No, sir. They're pretty rigid, but for the salary you are paying I
figure you should have some rights. Certainly you have the right to
protect your interests. But that Article Twelve is a direct violation of
everything a human being should hold sacred besides being a violation
of the Peeper Laws. I'd never sign a contract that didn't carry a full
Peeper rider."

"That's quite a bit."

"That's the minimum," Kennon corrected. "Naturally, I won't object
to mnemonic erasure of matters pertaining to your business once my
contract's completed and I leave your employment. But until then there
will be no conditioning, no erasures, n