X
Joel was stunned. The silence held a moment longer, then everyone began to shout at once.
Roos leaped to his feet. "The control hall, Governor! Join me there as soon as you can!" Before the last words were out of his mouth, he was sprinting through the door.
Governor Cameron succeeded in catching the attention of the Nuvenice and Nelsville officials, ordered them back to their posts to organize the free planters. As the last of them trooped from the room, he swung on Joel. "Well, Hakkyt, which side are you on?"
It was a decision that Joel had known for some time he must make. The realization of what it would mean to have men like Walt Eriss, the ex-surgeon, in power tipped the scales. He said, "I'm with you, I suppose, Governor." And felt like a traitor to Tamis and Nick Thorp and the rest.
"Then for Heaven's sake, contact the Thinkers. Tell them we'll arbitrate!"
"But I can't!"
"What?"
"You should have let me know about this sooner. I don't know how to contact the Thinkers."
Governor Cameron stared at him with blazing green eyes. Then he swung abruptly on his heel, tramped from the room.