Charles Carr, page 17
“And the Kolos project?”
“That may not be necessary now. It’s for Harper to decide. He’s in charge of the whole operation.”
“I’m glad he came through,” said Taylor.
“Yes, he wasn’t touched. Your friend Pratt’s back with his family. We lost a lot of vehicles, but not many men.”
“It might have been worse.”
“Yes. It’s hard to believe now how bad things were. The crisis is over. The worst of the war is over. They’re working on the oxygen plants, and getting the farm settlements going again.”
Nesina caught Lyon’s eye. “He’s getting tired,” she said protectively.
“But he can stand hearing some good news,” Lyon replied.
“I feel all right,” Taylor protested.
“You’ll feel better still when you’ve heard the rest. I’ve been fighting more battles - political ones this time. Everyone was amazingly grateful when the new was released that the salamanders were routed. But people have short memories; the opportunity had to be seized quickly.
“We’ve won equality, Taylor. These people - Nesina’s people realise that we have our uses.”
” I knew your qualities,” she said.
“You had a good sample to study.” Lyon grinned at Taylor. “You were the first convert, Nesina. Now things are easier. There’s an atmosphere of liberality. You see smiles, now and then. Remember your theory, Taylor? And so, through Leblanc, I’ve managed to get a few other concessions. One of them affects you - your romance.”
“Is it -?” began Nesina. She could not finish the question.
“Yes, they’re reconsidering the marriage law. I don’t think you need worry about it any more.
That was just one item in the bargaining. Oh, and Manzoni’s to have a better appointment. He deserves it.”
Lyon paused, realising that Nesina and Taylor were no longer listening. Simultaneously they had sighed, and now they were looking into each other’s eyes, unconscious of all else.
“Time I went,” Lyon murmured.
The movement he made in rising broke the spell. Taylor blinked and stared up at the stalwart figure of his chief.
“Sanger?” exclaimed Taylor. “I forgot to ask about him.”
“It’s all arranged, quite painlessly. There’s not room for him and his fellow-malcontents on Bel. So Leblanc is speeding their departure. I think they’ll be given the use of Kolos, if they want to turn it into a super spaceship.”
“Poor devils!” said Taylor.
“I don’t know.” Lyon stared out of the window. “Think of it - a navigable world! Think of the adventure! I envy Sanger.”
He recalled himself, to smile down on the lovers.
“But you, of course, are starting an adventure of your own, together. What do you care for Kolos?”
THE END
Salamander War, Charles Carr
