Ty. "I am a business executive,
Mr. Tarnhorst. Nothing more. If you have governmental problems to
discuss, then I can't help you, since I'm not authorized to make any
decisions for any government." Edway Tarnhorst closed his eyes and
massaged the bridge of his thin nose between thumb and forefinger. "I
understand that. I understand that perfectly.
But out here, the Companies have taken over certain functions of
government, shall we say?"

"Shall we say, rather, that on Earth the government has usurped
certain functions which rightfully belong to private enterprise?"
Alhamid said gently. "Historically, I thin