"It's a deal." They shook hands all around.
The effects of the nostalgic binge with Pete might have worn off if another incident had not happened soon after. Matt went across the passage to Arensa's room, intending to ask the oldster for some help in a tricky problem in astrogation. He found the oldster packing. "Come in, Senator," said Arensa. "Don't clutter up the doorway. What's on your mind, son?"
"Uh, nothing, I guess. You got your ship, sir?" Arensa had been passed for outer duty the month before; he was now technically a "passed cadet" as well as an "oldster."
"No." He picked up a sheaf of papers, glanced at them, and tore them across. "But I'm leaving."
"Oh."
"No need to be delicate about it-I wasn't fired. I've resigned."
"Oh."
"Don't stare at me and say 'oh'! What's so odd about resigning?"
"Nothing. Nothing at all."
"You were wondering why, weren't you? Well, 111 tell you. I've had it, that's why. I've had it and I'm sick of it. Because, sonny, I have no wish to be a superman. My halo is too tight and I'm chucking it. Can you-understand that?"