"So what?" Kinnison countered, as evenly as he could. "That way, we may be able to get the answer some day. Your way, we never will. But the thing's done—there's no use yapping and yowling about it now. Have you any ideas as to what you should do next?"
"No. Whatever you wish, that I shall try to do."
"I'll check with the others." He did so, receiving no helpful ideas until he consulted his wife.
"Hi, Kim, my dear!" came Clarrissa's buoyant thought; and, after a brief but intense greeting: "Glad you called. Nothing definite enough yet to report to you officially, but there are indications that Lyrane IX may be an important—"
"Nine?" Kinnison interrupted. "Not Eight again?"
"Nine," she confirmed. "A new item. So I may be doing a flit over there one of these days."
"Uh-uh," he denied. "Lyrane IX would be none of your business. Stay away from it."
"Says who?" she demanded. "We went into this once before, Kim, about you telling me what I could and couldn't do."
"Yeah, and I came out second best." Kinnison grinned. "But now, as the Co-ordinator, I make suggestions to even Second-Stage Lensmen, and they follow them—or else. I, therefore, suggest officially that you stay away from Lyrane IX on the grounds that since it is colder than a Palainian's heart, it is definitely not your problem, but Nadreck's. And personally, I am adding that if you don't behave yourself I'll come over there and administer appropriate physical persuasion."
"Come on over—that would be fun!" Clarrissa giggled, then sobered quickly. "But seriously, you win, I guess—this time. You'll keep me informed?"