His competitor screamed, "CC-freighter-Gemini-claiming-priority-on—"
But neither of them got to first base. A representative of the Iapetus colonists came to each ship, and the messages they delivered were identical.
"The governing board has decided that landings were effected simultaneously. Consequently you will present all wares for decision in open competition. Please report immediately to the general offices."
So there we were, a few minutes later, standing in the council room of the Iapetus governing board; Cap Hanson, Lancelot Biggs, Diane, and myself, glaring angrily across the room at representatives from our competitor space-craft, the Gemini. Gemini means "twins," which in this case was right, because the glares Cap Hanson and Cap Murgatroyd were hurling at each other were Siamese.
The Iapetus governor, an Earthman named Larrabee—said quietly, "Gentlemen, welcome to our new colony. Now ... I believe you each carry cargoes on which you wish to claim commercial priorities for your respective companies? Will you be kind enough to declare the nature of these cargoes?"
"Mine," said Cap Hanson loudly, "is flower seeds." And scowled at Murgatroyd.
"Mine," said Murgatroyd loudly, "is flower seeds." And scowled at Cap Hanson.
The Iapetus governor stroked his jaw thoughtfully.
"This is a delicate situation, gentlemen. You both carry a cargo our colonists will receive eagerly. It may be rather difficult to decide which of you—but I must let you present your own cases. What types of flowers are you carrying?"