in unison and departed quickly. Somehow Kennon got the
impression that they were happy to leave.

"Just wait," Douglas said. "You can't boss me forever. Just wait. I'll
reach my majority in five years. I can vote my shares then--and then
I'll fix you. You won't be so high and mighty then, Mr. Big. I'll throw
in with the rest of the Family. They don't like you too much."

"Don't hold your breath waiting for the Family to help you," Alexander
said. "They wouldn't have anyone else but me handle the finances. They
love money too much. And until you get your inheritance remember one
thing--I'm master here."

"I know it," Douglas said, and then curiously--"Who's the oddball?" He
gestured at Kennon with a pudgy thumb.

"Our new veterinarian, Dr. Kennon."

"Oh--great! Now you tell me!"

"There's nothing like making a good first impression," Alexander said
with ironic emphasis. "I hope he cuts you off from the Lani. He'll have
the authority to do it, since he's taking Old Doc's place."

"He can't. I'm an owner. I own-"

"You own nothing. You're a minor. And under the terms of Grandfather's
will, you'll own nothing except an allowance until you reach legal age.
And that brings me to the reason I brought you here. Just when did you
gain the right to reorganize the household staff? Just when did you get
the power to interfere with the experimental program?"

Douglas flushed dull red and bit his lip. "Do we have to go into this in
front of strangers?"

"Kennon's my agent," Alexander said coldly, "and he might as well learn
about you and the others from the start."

"Well--what do you want him to do--watch me crawl?" Douglas asked
bitterly. "You'll make me do it. You always do. Do you want me to beg,
to say I was wrong, to promise I won't do it again?"

"You've done that already," Alexander said. "Several times. You need a
lesson. I won't have you meddling with valuable animals."

"And what are you going to do about it?"

"Put you where you can do no more damage. As of tomorrow you'll go to
Otpen One."

Douglas paled. His lips quivered, and his eyes flicked uneasily as
he watched Alexander's granite face. "You don't mean that," he said
finally. "You're joking."

"I never joke about business."

"But you can't do that! I'll tell the Family. They won't let you."

"I already have their consent," Alexander said. "I obtained it after
your last escapade. You'll be happy out there. You can play tin god all
you like. M