by Andre Norton
Jellico grunted. "Kindness and Combine are widely separated in such matters. But we can now take passage on the same ship as your prisoners--"
"But, my friend, you have not yet seen the preserve. I assure you that _this_ time there shall be no trouble. We have several days yet before you must return to your ship--"
The captain of the _Queen_ held up his hand. "Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to inspect the Zoboru preserve, sir--next year. As it is, my holiday is over and the _Queen_ is waiting for us on Xecho. Also, permit me to send you some tapes dealing with the newest types of flitters--guaranteed against flight failures."
"Yes, guaranteed," Tau added guilelessly, "not to break down, lose course, or otherwise disrupt a pleasant excursion."
The Chief Ranger threw back his head and his deep-chested laughter was echoed from the heights above them. "Very well, Captain. Your mail run will bring you back to Xecho at intervals. Meanwhile I shall study your sales tapes concerning the non-expendable flitters. But you _shall_ visit Zoboru--and pleasantly, very pleasantly, I assure you, Medic Tau!"
"I wonder," Tau muttered and Dane heard. "Just now the quiet of deep space is a far, far more entrancing proposition!"
