"I don't know—haven't thought about it yet. But I could be pretty insubordinate if I really tried."
"That's the understatement of the century."
"I'll devote the imponderable force of the intellect to the problem and check with you later. Now, Gene, about the proposed Galactic Service, the Council, and so on. What is the reaction? Yours, personally, and others?"
"My personal reaction is immensely favorable; I think it the greatest advance that humanity has ever made. I have been very cautious, of course, in discussing, or even mentioning the matter, but the reaction of everyone I have sounded—good men; big men in their respective fields—has been as enthusiastic as my own."
"Good. It won't surprise you, probably, to be told that you are to be this system's councillor and—if we can swing
