ironclad society crystallized by age and custom into something rigid and in flexible.”
“You would be wrong to do so,” Kennon said. “Even though we are cultural introverts there is plenty of dynamism within our society.”
“How is it that you happen to be out here on the edge of civilization?”
“I never said I was like my society,” Kennon grinned. “Actually I suppose I’m one of the proverbial bad apples.”
“There’s more to it than that,” Alexander said. “Your early years probably influenced you.”
Kennon looked sharply at the entrepreneur. How much did the man really know about him? “I suppose so,” he said indifferently.
Alexander looked pleased. “But even with your childhood experiences there must be an atavistic streak in you—a throwback to your adventurous Earth forebears who settled your world?”
Kennon shrugged. “Perhaps you’re right. I really don’t know. Actually, I’ve never thought about it. It merely seemed to me that an undeveloped world offered more opportunity.”
“It does,” Alexander said. “But it also offers more work. If you’re figuring that you can get along on the minimum physical effort required on the Central Worlds, you have a shock coming.”
“I’m not that innocent,” Kennon said. “But I am not so stupid that I can’t apply modifications of Betan techniques to worlds as new as this.”
Alexander chuckled. “I like you,” he said suddenly. “Here read this and see if you’d care to work for me.” He picked a contract form from one of the piles of paper on his desk and handed it to Kennon. “This is one of our standard work contracts. Take it back to your hotel and check it over. I’ll expect to see you at this time tomorrow.”
“Why waste time?” Kennon said. “The rapid-reading technique originated on Beta. I can tell you in fifteen minutes.”
“Hmm. Certainly. Read it here if you wish. I like to get things settled—the sooner the better. Sit down, young man and read. You can rouse me when you’re finished.” He turned his attention
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