`”Own it,”‘ repeated Clare. `Nevertheless, in return for the concessions we are making you with respect to your contract, we want something in return.’
`What?’ asked O’Neil. The mention of the bowl had upset his confidence.
`You own it and you retain possession of it. But I want your word that I, or Mr Francis, or Miss Cormet, may come look at it from time to time – frequently.’
O’Neil looked unbelieving. `You mean that you simply want to come to look at it?’
`That’s all.’
`Simply to enjoy it?’
`That’s right.’
O’Neil looked at him with new respect. `I did not understand you before, Mr Clare. I apologize. As for the corporation nonsense – do as you like. I don’t care. You and Mr Francis and Miss Cormet may come to see the “Flower” whenever you like. You have my word.’
`Thank you, Doctor O’Neil – for all of us.’ He switched off as quickly as could be managed gracefully.
Beaumont was looking at Clare with added respect, too. `I think,’ he said, `that the next time I shall not interfere with your handling of the details. I’ll take my leave, Adieu, gentlemen – and Miss Cormet.’
When the door had rolled down behind him Grace remarked, `That seems to polish it off.’
`Yes,’ said Clare. `We’ve “walked his dog” for him; O’Neil has what he wants; Beaumont got what he wanted, and more besides.’
`Just what is he after?’
`I don’t know, but I suspect that he would like to be first president of the Solar System Federation, if and when there is such a thing. With the aces we have dumped in his lap, he might make it. Do you realize the potentialities of the O’Neil effect?’
`Vaguely,’ said Francis.
`Have you thought about what it will do to space navigation? Or the possibilities it adds in the way of colonization? Or its recreational uses? There’s a fortune in that alone.’
`What do we get out of it?’
`What do we get out of it? Money, old son. Gobs and gobs of money. There’s always money in giving people what they want.’ He glanced up at the Scottie dog trademark.
`Money,’ repeated Francis. `Yeah, I suppose so.’
`Anyhow,’ added Grace, `we can always go look at the “Flower”.’