himself by observation and
participation. Usually, it takes four or five stops, on this planet and
that, before the probationary agent begins sympathizing with the efforts
of this elusive Tommy Paine. Especially since every Section G agent he
runs into, including the Tog, of course, fills him full of stories of
Tommy Paine's activities.

"You were one of the quickest to stumble on the true nature of our Section
G. After calling at only three planets you saw that we ourselves are Tommy
Paine."

"But ... but what's the end?" Ronny said plaintively. "You say our job is
advancing man, even in spite of himself when it comes to that. We start at
the bottom of the evolutionary ladder in a condition of savagery, clan
communism in government, simple animism in religion, and slowly we
progress through barbarism to civilization, through paganism to the higher
ethical codes, through chattel slavery and then feudalism and beyond. What
is the final end, the Ultima Thule?"

Metaxa was shaking his head again. He poured himself another drink,
offered the bottle this time to the others. "We don't know," he said
wearily, "perhaps there is none. Perhaps there is always another rung on
this evolutionary ladder." He punched at his order box and said, "Irene,
have them do up a silver badge for Ronny."

Ronny Bronston took a deep breath and reached for the brown bottle.
"Well," he said. "I suppose I'm ready to ask for my first assignment." He
thought for a moment. "By the way, if there's any way to swing it, I
wouldn't mind working with Supervisor Lee Chang Chu."

THE END

***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ULTIMA THULE***

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October 25, 2009

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