"Roses," declared Cap Hanson defiantly. "Eighteen varieties of roses, includin' the rare, perennial Venusian swamp-rose."
"I see. And you, Captain Murgatroyd?"
"Thirty-four separate and distinct varieties of flowering plants," declared our opponent triumphantly, "including roses, geraniums, nasturtiums, pinks ... practically everything, sir!"
"Ah, yes. That seems to be a point in your favor, Captain Murgatroyd. Now—the size of your cargoes—?"
"Five hundred lead-sealed ten-bushel containers," gloated Captain Murgatroyd.
"Very good. And you, Captain Hanson?"
"The IPS," snarled the Old Man, "don't go in for samples! When we carry a cargo, we carry a cargo. Twelve hundred lead-sealed ten-bushel containers, Your Honor!"
"Excellent! Excellent, Captain! That seems to be a point in your favor. This is most difficult. Er ... Captain Murgatroyd ... perhaps you could give us some idea as to the growth potentialities of your flowers?"
Murgatroyd grinned and dug into an inner pocket, brought forth a folder which he placed in the Governor's hands.
"Yes, sir. Here is a four-color brochure issued by our Company, describing each and every type of plant we have brought to Iapetus, and reproducing pictures of those flowers in full natural color."