Holland's voice was testy. "I assure you, Joe, the particular
assignment was quite important. We simply cannot afford to move, here
in the West, until we know what the Sov-world will do. Your task was a
delicate one, obviously. You simply couldn't go to their government
and ask. There are strong elements in not only the Upper caste, but
even the middle and Lower ones, here in this country, who would spring
to the defense of present West-world society if they thought an
attempt was being made to alter its structure. If the Sov government
reported that it had been approached by elements of a revolutionary
group, the fat would be in the fire."