I was not surprised at his decision. It was what I expected, what I would have advised. He had had more than one man's share of this planet, for one who didn't expect to take root here. But my own life here was just beginning.
I had thought it out. My guess was that my long record of service for the EGGWE could withstand some variation. An application for release would very likely win an approval, especially in view of my change to serve the EGGWE purposes even better by becoming a Benzendella.
When I announced this plan, by radio, to the new Captain Campbell, formerly known as Split, but now commonly referred to on this planet as the hero of the Benzendella migration, he said he was not surprised. "Congratulations, Linden, for knowing what you wanted. Stay aboard that Kao-Wagwattl. There's a beautiful land waiting for you up ahead."