All of them had changed physically. Some of them
softer to the point of flabbiness; some harder both of body and soul.

Barry Watson, Natt Roberts, Dick Hawkins, of the Texcocan team.

Martin Gunther, Peter MacDonald, Fredric Buchwald, of the Genoese.

The gathering wasn't so large as the one before. Only Taller and the
scientist Wiss attended from Texcoco; only Baron Leonar and the son of
Honorable Russ from Genoa.

From the beginning they stared with hostility across the conference
table. Even the pretense of amiability was gone.

Watson rapped finally, "I am not going to dwell upon the measures you
have been taking that can only be construed as military ones aimed
eventually at the Texcocan State."

Martin Gunther laughed nastily. "Is your implication that your own
people have not taken the same measures, in fact, inaugurated them?"

Watson said, "As I say, I have no intention of even discussing this.
Surely we can arrive at no agreement. There is one point, however that
we should consider on this occasion."

The corpulent Peter MacDonald wheezed, "Well, out with it!"

Natt Roberts said, "I mentioned the matter to you at the last meeting."

"Ah, yes," Gunther nodded. "Just as you left. We have considered it."

The Texcocans waited for him to go on.

"If I understand you," Gunther said, "you think we should reconsider
returning to Terra City at this time."

"It should be discussed," Watson nodded. "Whatever the ... ah ...
temporary difficulties between us, the original project of the
_Pedagogue_ is still our duty."

The three of the Genoese team nodded their agreement.

"And the problem becomes, have we accomplished completely what we set
out to do? And, further, is it necessary, or at least preferable, for us
to stay on and continue administration of the progress of the Rigel
planets?"

They thought about it.

Buchwald said hesitantly, "It has been my own belief that Genoa is not
quite ready for us to let loose the ... ah, reins. If we left now, I am
not sure--"

Roberts said, "Same applies to Texcoco. The State has made fabulous
strides, but I am not sure what would happen if we leaders were to
leave. There might be a complete collapse."

Watson said, "We seem to be in basic agreement. Is a suggestion in order
that we extend, for another twenty-five years, at least, this
expedition's work?"

Dick Hawkins said, "The Office of Galactic Colonization--"

MacDonald said smoothly, "Will undoubte