Novell Lesquallan swiftly read the document and bellowed an unintelligible remark.
"Something, quite," Neinfort-Whritings agreed.
Lesquallan got his voice under control. "What action do you intend to take?"
"We hadn't decided," Rovance answered. "We received the order only a few minutes ago."
"Before we form our plans," Esrov said, "we would like some information about your problems with Acme. We understand it involves canned goods and snuff."
"Yes, those damned.... At the last minute, they turned down a small load of canned goods for Luna that we'd been decent enough to give them at reduced rates. They can't get away with that kind of thing long. But that's just the beginning. They got hold of the contract and permit to haul a consignment of medicinal snuff to Mars. We had already arranged for that cargo. You know that snuff situation. Through certain contacts, we have been able—perfectly legally—to have permits issued. That customs man must have taken a double—"
"We understand," Rovance broke in. "We have had occasion to make similar arrangements. The rates—and other inducements—are extremely satisfactory."
"Well, gentlemen," Lesquallan demanded, "what are we going to do about this unprecedented situation?"
"I suggest," Neinfort-Whritings said, "that we have our legal staffs meet in joint session. We should impress on them that the quashing of this restraining order is urgent. Perhaps we should consider debts owed us by the judiciary we helped elect."