dly send out a ship to
investigate. We shall simply inform them that things are not as yet
propitious to our leaving, that another twenty-five years is in order.
Since we are on the scene, undoubtedly our recommendation will be
heeded."

Watson looked from one Earthman to the next. "We are in agreement?"

Each in turn nodded.

Peter MacDonald said, "And do you all realize that here we have a unique
situation that might be exploited for the benefit of the whole race?"

They looked to him, questioningly.

"The dynamic we find in Genoa--and Texcoco, too, for that matter, though
we disagree on so many fundamentals--is beyond that in the Solar System.
These are new planets, new ambitions are alive. We have at our
fingertips man's highest developments, evolved on Earth. But with this
new dynamic, this freshness, might we not in time push even beyond old
Earth?"

"You mean--" Natt Roberts said.

MacDonald nodded. "What particular of value is gained by our uniting
Genoa and Texcoco with the so-called Galactic Commonwealth? Why not
press ahead on our own? With the vigor of these new races we might well
leave Earth far behind."

Watson mused, "Carrying your suggestion to the ultimate, who is to say
that one day Rigel might not become the new center of the human race,
rather than Sol?"

"A point well taken," Gunther agreed.

"No," Taller said softly.

The six Earthmen turned hostile eyes to him.

"This particular matter does not concern you, Generalissimo," Watson
rapped at him.

Taller smiled his amusement at that and came to his feet.

"No," he said. "I am afraid that hard though it might be for you to give
up the powers you have held so long, you Earthlings are going to have to
return to Terra City, from whence you came."

Baron Leonar said in gentle agreement, "Obviously."

"What is this?" Watson rapped. "I'm not at all amused."

The Honorable Russ stood also. "There is no use prolonging this. I have
heard you Earthlings say, more than once, that man adapts to preserve
himself. Very well, we of Genoa and Texcoco are adapting to the present
situation. We are of the belief that if you are allowed to remain in
power we of the Rigel planets will be destroyed, probably in an atomic
holocaust. In self-protection we have found it necessary to unite, we
Genoese and Texcocans. We bear you no ill will, far to the contrary.
However, it is necessary that you all return to Earth. You have
impressed upon us the aforem