"Yeah," George said, "but what gets me down is how they recalled me. They planned it all without letting me know. I tell you it was a nasty jolt to my nervous system when I found out that damned catapult had been aimed right smack at the chambers of the High Council. They probably will banish me to hard labor on one of the planets. You know, digging out those craters for the mortals to stare at through their silly spy glasses. It was a terrible shock."
"How was it on earth?" The other shifted eagerly.
"Well ..." George answered, and a reminiscent look came into his eyes, "there was this little redhead, see...." He smiled secretly, and gazed off into the distance. "I guess," he continued, as though to himself, "on the whole, I'd say it was worth it...."
"Mr. Pillsworth!"
Marc awoke from his reverie and turned around. The government man had taken hold of his sleeve.
"Now you give him your formula."
Marc glanced quickly toward the podium where the Chief was staring back at him expectantly. Stiffly, he rose from his chair and moved forward.
The Chief turned back to the audience.
"Ladies and Gentlemen!" he announced dramatically. "The Pillsworth Formula!"