"I won't hurt Leo's career," she explained flatly.
Dr. Kalmar gave her a vacant look. "Leo?"
She blushed. "Dr. Hoyt. He's honestly trying to understand, but he finds it so different from Earth. Practically everything we do here is in reverse."
"But so is our environment, Miss Dupont. Earth is over-crowded and Deneb is under-populated, so of course our methods would be the opposite of Earth's. He has to be made to see that we must solve our problems our own way."
She studied his face suspiciously. "That's all you want?"
"Certainly. Damn it, do you think I want him fired and sent back to Earth before his internship's up? I know it would hurt his record. Besides, I need an assistant—but not one I have to bicker with every time I make a move."
"Well, in that case—"
"Good girl. All you have to do is help me hold off the cases he'd argue about until Dr. Lowell gets here." He stared down glumly at his hands, which were gripping each other tightly. "God knows I'm no diplomat. Dr. Lowell is. He convinced me easily enough when I came here. Maybe he can do the same with Dr. Hoyt."
"Oh, I hope he can," Miss Dupont said earnestly. "I want so much to have you and Leo work together in harmony."
He glanced up, curious. "Why?"