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."