The Rival Rigelians

“Ah, yes,” Gunther nodded thoughtfully. “Just as you left. We have considered it. In fact, we held a small meeting just before coming up here.”

The Texcocans waited for him to go on.

“If I understand you,” Gunther said slowly, “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. Nothing is of more importance to all of us.”

The three of the Genoese team nodded their solemn agreement. “Of course,” Buchwald murmured.

“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 on 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, “The 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.”

Isobel Sanchez muttered, “Oh, I couldn’t bear the idea of returning to Terra City. Such a bore, really, life on Terra. So…so uninteresting. So much routine work and so little…”

Dick Hawkins looked at her testily. “That’s not at all the point. The point is are we, or are we not needed by the people of these planets?”

Barry 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…”

Peter MacDonald broke in on him smoothly. “Will undoubtedly send out a ship to investigate. Very well, 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 Earthling to the next. “Then are we 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 human race?”

They looked at him, intrigued, but 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 and pursed fat lips. “What particular 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.”

Barry 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.

All the others of Earth nodded their solemn agreement.

“No,” Taller said softly.

The seven Earthlings turned hostile eyes to him.

“This particular matter does not concern you, General,” Watson rapped at him.

The grim visaged Taller smiled his dour amusement at that and came to his feet, to tower above them.

“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.”

Isobel said languidly, “Oh, Taller, don’t be a flat.”

Baron Leonar, however, said in gentle agreement with the general, “But obviously, he is correct.”

“What is this?” Watson rapped. “I’m not at all amused.”

The Honorable Russ stood also and took his position next to Taller. “There is no longer use of 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, you have brought wonders to us. However, it is necessary that you all return to Earth. You have impressed upon us the aforementioned truism that man adapts but in the Pedagogue’s library I have found another that also applies. Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

There were heavy automatics in the hands of Natt Roberts and Dick Hawkins. Barry Watson leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrow. “How’d you ever expect to get away with this sort of treason, Taller?”

Martin Gunther blurted, “Or you, Russ?”