As if at a signal, Erol relaxed and his weariness became evident. Yma relaxed somewhat but remained alert.
"Why they did," Erol replied, "is a private matter that only each of those men knows. The fact is that they, myself included, did—and now we must pay."
"You sir? But you were always such an eminent figure. I've admired you from childhood as being one of the best of the planet's many scientists. Your researches in sociology have led the empire. Why should you suddenly stop your writing?"
"Fine flattery, son, but it will not avail you. I also see that you are not completely in the dark. You must have been investigating or you wouldn't know that I have a half-finished book that never got to the publisher on time.
"Anyway, the reasons are inconsequential, now. It is done, and we must consider the consequences. And we must consider you. What do you intend to do, return to Klynos, or stay here?"
"You don't get out of it that easily," Florin said. "Yes, consider me. Consider me as a citizen of this planet, a believer in its principles. I am no idiot that can't understand or won't accept the truth.
"You are a sociologist. Here we have one of the most paradoxical sociological situations imaginable on our planet. There obviously are many unknown factors. You know them—you must. Just consider me a student and explain the functionings of these phenomena."
"You try my patience, Mr. Brite. I am accepting you at face value, but you are a stranger to me. What I wish to keep to myself is entirely my business. As I say, I am accepting you, and trying to help you—as we all must do in this mess. Now what do you intend to do?"
With a fatalistic shrug, Florin replied, "I cannot go back to Klynos. My education was paid for by my stock in corporation-men here. That is now, as you know, worthless."
Yma spoke to him for the first time. "Then don't you feel resentment towards the men who—who betrayed you?" Her eyes awaited his answer.