"You and your managerial cohorts must leave. Those upon whom the continued service of communications depend are requested to remain—under new management."
"You're taking on a big bite," grinned Channing. "I trust you can chew it."
"I need no help from the likes of you."
"Good. And now that you've had your say I'll return to my own affairs. Make yourself at home; you'll not be bothered here."
Kingman nodded slowly. He'd expected a battle, and he believed that Channing did not think it true. Channing would find damn well out once he appeared before the Interplanetary Communications Commission.
In the meantime, of course, he might as well remain in the office. There was an apartment next door, and it was comfortable.
He did not notice that every very personal thing had been removed from Channing's office. Frankly, Kingman did not care. He had everything his own way.
The senior officer spoke, "You need us any more, Mr. Kingman?"
"No," replied the new owner of Venus Equilateral.
"Then we'll return to duty on Terra," said the officer.