He felt an almost irresistible urge to smash his fist into her jaw. Straight-laced, hopelessly blind to every standard but her own—what right did Ann have to pass judgment on Niaga? It was a rhetorical question. Ann Howard represented the Federation no less than Lord did himself. By law, the teachers rode every trading ship; in the final analysis, their certification could make or break any new planetary franchise.
“Niaga has been very helpful, Ann; cooperative and—”
“Oh, I’m sure she has, Mr. Lord.”
“I could threaten to cut off Don’s bonus pay, I suppose, but it wouldn’t do much good; money has no meaning to these people and, if Don intends to stay here, it won’t mean much to him, either.”
“How you do it, Mr. Lord, is not my concern. But if Don doesn’t go home with us—” She favored him with another icy smile. “I’m afraid I’ll have to make an adverse report when you apply for the franchise.”
“You can’t, Ann!” Lord was more surprised than angry. “Only in the case of a primitive and belligerent culture—”
“I’ve seen no evidence of technology here.” She paused. “And not the slightest indication that these people have any conception of moral values.”
“Not by our standards, no; but we’ve never abandoned a planet for that reason alone.”