Iruatã, Thanks for following up. Your example demonstrates that it is possible, and maybe even desirable, to work in this way. So, I know to deal with it appropriately.
Thanks again. EBo -- > % g++ -I$PLAN9/include -c a.cc && g++ -o a a.o $PLAN9/lib/libgeometry.a > % a > 1 > 1 > 2 > > without the extern definitions? > sorry if i was harsh.