The corpulent Peter MacDonald wheezed, "Well, out with it!"
Natt Roberts said, "I mentioned the matter to you at the last meeting."
"Ah, yes," Gunther nodded. "Just as you left. We have considered it."
The Texcocans waited for him to go on.
"If I understand you," Gunther said, "you think we should reconsider returning to Terra City at this time."
"It should be discussed," Watson nodded. "Whatever the ... ah ... temporary difficulties between us, the original project of the Pedagogue is still our duty."
The three of the Genoese team nodded their agreement.
"And the problem becomes, have we accomplished completely what we set out to do? And, further, is it necessary, or at least preferable, for us to stay on and continue administration of the progress of the Rigel planets?"
They thought about it.
Buchwald said hesitantly, "It has been my own belief that Genoa is not quite ready for us to let loose the ... ah, reins. If we left now, I am not sure—"