"We have to move fast to stay ahead of our ulcers," Alexander
said with a wry smile. "Besides, I wanted to get away from the
Albertsville offices for awhile."

"Three hours' notice," Kennon said. "That's almost too fast."

"You had nothing to keep you in the city, and neither did I - at
least nothing important. There are plenty of females where we are
going and I need you on Flora - not in Albertsville. Besides I
can get you there faster than if you waited for a company
transport."

"Judging from those empty sea lanes below, Flora must be an
out-of-the-way place," Kennon said.

"It is. It's out of the trade lanes. Most of the commercial
traffic is in the southern hemisphere. The northern hemisphere is
practically all water. Except for Flora and the Otpens there
isn't a land area for nearly three thousand kilometers in any
direction, and since the company owns Flora and the surrounding
island groups there's no reason for shipping to come there. We
have our own supply vessels, a Discovery Charter, and a desire
for privacy. - Ah! It won't be long now. There's the Otpens!"
Alexander pointed at a smudge on the horizon that quickly
resolved into an irregular chain of tiny islets that slipped
below them. Kennon got a glimpse of gray concrete on one of the
larger islands, a smudge of green trees, and white beaches
against which the yellow waters dashed in smothers of foam.

"Rugged-looking place," be murmured.