“A harsh fact, but true—and who is to judge whether it is right or wrong? We achieved dominance of Earth by our moral responsibility to family, tribe, and nation—and we nearly exterminated ourselves when we forgot that this responsibility went beyond nations and embraced all mankind. We learned that after the Exodus. As for the other races—perhaps someday we will learn moral responsibility for all intelligence—but we are not ready for that yet. That’s too big a mental hurdle.” Brainard sighed. “We are what we are, and we change slowly. But we change.”
“True enough,” Kennon said. “But it’s hard to be philosophical about it.”
“You’re young. Live a couple of centuries and you will understand patience.”
Kennon smiled.
“You know,” Brainard said thoughtfully, “you still have plenty of things to do.”
“I know. I’ll have to make a transcript of this discussion, have it witnessed, and make a sealed record. I have to arrange for the reposition of the evidence inside the Egg, and a complete recording of the Egg itself.”
“And to be safe you’ll need several facsimiles, properly attested. The arms of these outworld entrepreneurs are long, and unfortunately not all Betans are models of honesty.”
“I’d better get started then.”
“Let me help you,” Brainard said. “I have a little influence in this area—and your cause interests me.” He picked up the phone on his desk.
Kennon sighed. He had found an ally.