"The people who brought you here were tax collectors we Rojac recruited from a subject planet. They were conditioned to make it impossible for them to leave their job untended. Unfortunately, they were clever enough to realize that if they brought someone else in who could do their job, they were released from their mental bonds. Very clever."
"But—"
"You may have their job," said the man. "Normally, you would be put to work in the lower echelons, but we believe in meting out justice wherever possible. The Raimees undoubtedly stumbled on your planet by accident and lured you into this position without—"
"How do you know I can do your job?"
"That moment of brilliance was an aptitude test. You passed. Well, do you accept?"
"What about our baby?" Martha Graham worriedly wanted to know.
"You will be allowed to keep it until it reaches the age of decision—about the time it will take the child to reach adult stature."
"Then what?" insisted Martha Graham.
"The child will take its position in society—according to its ability."