Kingman cleared his throat. "A number of times," he agreed. "But each time that discontinuance of service occurred, it was during a period of emergency—and in each instance this emergency was great enough to demand leniency. Most of the times an explanation was instantly forthcoming; the other times were after seeking and receiving permission to suspend operations during the emergency period. This, gentlemen, is Twenty-three December and no message has passed through the Venus Equilateral Relay Station since noon on Twenty December."
"Your statements, if true, indicate that Venus Equilateral has violated their license," nodded Hollister. "However, we are inclined to be lenient with them because they have been exemplary in the past and—"
"And," interrupted Kingman, "they are overconfident. They think that they are big enough and clever enough to do as they damn well please!"
"Indeed?"
"Well, they've been doing it, haven't they?"
"We've seen no reason for interfering with their operations. And they are getting the messages through."
Kingman smiled. "How?"
Hollister shrugged. "If you claim they aren't using the station, I wouldn't know."
"And if the government were to ask—you would be quite embarrassed."
"Then what do you suggest?" asked Hollister.