merely a question of time and what difference
does a little time make?"
44 "All the difference in the world," put in the Objector. "If we do
what you are thinking of, they will be home six months early, more or
less. Ones like this can do a great deal in six months."
45 "Perhaps," said the first voice, "there is a compromise. I see
nothing wrong with taking lost children home, and I am sure this one
would do the same for us. If we could restore his sight, here and now,
I would not worry about the time, but the injury is old and our
procedure for its repair would be almost like theirs.
46 What if the good General gave us his word, his word of honor, that
if we take him home, he or none of his crew will take part in any
activity for six months? The Law would be fulfilled, what we did would
not alter things, but his sight would still be returned. And you will
admit as easily as I, that this one would be just as dangerous without
sight, as with it!"
47 "To that I WILL agree!" answered the second voice. "And I think his
word is good. The species has a great deal of character. In time,
perhaps a couple of million years, they will become like us. It is only
their lack of technology that makes them as they are now. I will agree.
If such a promise is given, what you conceive I will not object to."
48 "Then it is up to you, General," announced the first voice, "the
choice is yours."
49 "Did any of you hear that?" North asked.
50 "I think we ALL did, sir," remarked Communications, "it seemed to
come from everywhere at once."
51 "But can we sit back for six months," North wondered, "while our
comrades fight The Empire?"
52 The Doctor's voice suddenly cut in. "Yes, we CAN, dammit!" she
screamed, "Give them your word. It will take that long to fix the ship.
If we have to sit in quarantine for six months. If they have to bring
the