Gerd arose from his chair and flexed the muscles across his back. The reason for his arising was not clear to Andrew immediately, but it came less than three seconds later—It was Gaya Lel Rayne, Gerd's mate. Andrew arose and greeted her with genuine pleasure.
Her smile was brilliant and genuine. "Business?" she asked.
"Yes," answered Gerd. "But do not leave, because the discussion is interesting. Andy, the perfect example of the persistent newsman, is holding forth on the interstellar power."
"They've discovered it?" asked Gaya in hopeful pleasure.
"No," answered Tremaine. "We'd like to, though."
"You will," said Gaya. "I know you will."
"We know we will, too," said Andrew. "Our irritation is not that we shall be denied it, but that it takes us so long to find it when there is one on Terra that knows it well."
"Please, Andy. I do most definitely not know it well. I am no technician."
Gaya looked at her husband quickly. "He's excusing himself," she said with a laugh.
"He's hoping that we'll believe that his knowledge is no better than ours and that we'll be content. But, Gerd, I know that you know enough to give us the answer."