[center][h2]TAURUS [/h2][/center]

A mechanical voice speaks next. “The Chancellor does not share your pessimistic appraisal of the situation, foreman. He is confident that you will find a way to fill his order on schedule. All you require... is a little incentive.”

[center][h2] Foreman Izel [/h2][/center]

“I don’t know what that means! I have the Foundry working at triple speed. If we go any faster, we’ll break the machinery! Then where will you be?” I pause for a few seconds, then quickly adds, “Look, I don’t mean to be ungrateful...”

[center][h2]TAURUS [/h2][/center]

“I must say, you certainly are being ungrateful.” The sound of mechanical feet walking can be heard. “The Chancellor has selected you for this assignment. You above all other candidates. I should think you would have kept that in mind. You don’t want him to feel he has made a error, do you? Because errors can be corrected, and you can be unselected.”