"Sorry ... sorry, Jane." He smiled. "It's Tayne. I think I handled him rather badly."
"Don't worry so, Doug! I've never seen such a little thing get under your skin. Everyone knows he never got properly conditioned, even the Director himself. He's a good games officer, and that's that. He's always trying to draw someone into a state of anger, and you told me yourself just yesterday that you're his special target just for the job. It's a good thing you didn't blow up in there. What came over you—giving an order like that, I mean?"
"I—let's say I was confused for the moment."
"As long as he's the only headquarters man like that there's nothing to keep you so upset, Doug. Now come on—"
She was behind the desk, a slender hand on the back of his chair.
"Not—no not now Jane. Anyway you should appreciate my—"
"Your position ... yes.... But Lisa's not the jealous sort Doug, you know that. Your wife's always been willing to share you with others...."
"I—yes I know that of course...." Good Lord ...
He hadn't even thought of it, hadn't been ready. The entire set-up of conventions would of course have so many differences—what was simple bad taste in his time-phase might be accepted as a matter of course here. And vice-versa perhaps—how was he to know? And he would have to know.
"Doug...."