ce I also
control my cousin Douglas's shares. But when Douglas comes of age they
will be troublesome. Therefore I defer to them. I don't want to build a
united opposition. Usually I can get one or more of them to vote with
me on critical deals, but I always have to pay for their support."
Alexander's voice was bitter as he touched the dilate button on the iris
door beside him. "You'll have to meet them tonight. There's five of them
here now."

"That isn't in the contract," Kennon said. He was appalled at Alexander.
Civilized people didn't speak of others that way, even to intimates.

"It can't be helped. You must meet them. It's part of the job."
Alexander's voice was grim. "Mother, Cousin Anne, Douglas, and Eloise
like to play lord of the manor. Cousin Harold doesn't care--for which
you should be grateful."

The door dilated, and Alexander ushered Kennon into the room. The Lani
sitting on the couch opposite the door leaped to her feet, her mouth
opening in an O of surprise. Her soft snow-white hair, creamy skin, and
bright china blue eyes were a startling contrast to her black loincloth
and halter. Kennon stared appreciatively.

Her effect on Alexander, however, was entirely different. His face
darkened. "You!" he snapped. "What are you doing here?"

"Serving, sir," the Lani said.

"On whose authority?"

"Man Douglas, sir."

Alexander groaned. "You see," he said, turning to Kennon. "We
need someone here with a little sense. Like I was telling you, the
Family'd"--he stopped abruptly and turned back to the Lani. "Your name
and pedigree," he demanded.

"Silver Dawn, sir--out of White Magic--platinum experimental
type--strain four."

"I thought so. How long have you been inhouse?"

"Almost a month, sir."

"You're terminated. Report to Goldie and tell her that Man Alexander
wants you sent back to your group."

The Lani's eyes widened. "Man Alexander!--You?"

Alexander nodded.

"Gosh!" she breathed. "The big boss!"

"Get moving," Alexander snapped, "and tell Goldie to report to me in my
quarters."

"Yes, sir, right away, sir!" The Lath ran, disappearing through the door
they had entered with a flash of shapely white limbs.

"That Douglas!" Alexander growled. "Leave that young fool alone here
for six months and he'd disrupt the entire operation. The nerve of that
young pup--requisitioning an experimental type for household labor. Just
what does he think he's doing?"

The question obviously didn't de