"Maybe," I said. "But many here do not. I don't. I know you must return
to guide the Reconstruction. But first you must convince our leader of
your worth."
"How am I going to accomplish that?" Horbit asked worriedly.
"You are going to have a companion from now on, an agent of the leader,
who will pretend to be something he isn't. You must pretend to believe
in what he claims to be, and convince him of your high intelligence,
moral responsibilities, and qualities of leadership."
"Yes," Horbit said thoughtfully, "yes. I must try to curb my tendency
for telling off-color jokes. My wife is always nagging me about that."
* * * * *
Paulson was only a few doors away from Horbit. I found him with his
long, thin legs stretched out in front of him, staring dismally into
the gloom of the room. No wonder he found reality so boring and
depressing with so downbeat a mood cycle. I wondered why they hadn't
been able to do something about adjusting his metabolism.
"Paulson," I said gently, "I want to speak with you."