Imperial Earth

pretending to be historical figures. Are they really going to throw tea into Boston Harbor?”

Before Colin could answer, Grandfather Malcolm stepped in. A discussion among the three Makenzies -which was something seldom overheard by outsiders-was more in the nature of a monologue than an argument. Because their three personas differed only through the accidents of background and education, genuine disagreements among them were virtually unknown. When difficult decisions had to be made, Duncan and Colin would take opposing viewpoints and debate them before Malcolm-who would listen without saying a word, though his eyebrows could be very eloquent. He seldom had to give a judgment, because the two advocates usually reached a synthesis without much difficulty; but when he did, that was the end of the matter. It was quite a good way to run a family-or a world.

“I don’t know about the tea, which would certainly be a waste at fifty so lars a kilo, but you’re being too hard on Mr. Washington and his friends.

When we have five hundred years behind us, we’ll be justified in a little pomp and ceremony. And never forget the Declaration of Independence was one of the most important historical events of the last three thousand years.

We wouldn’t be here without it. After all, the Treaty of Phobos opens with the words: When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one ly people … “Quite inappropriate in that context. On the whole, Earth was heartily glad to get rid of us.”

“Perfectly true, but don’t ever let the Terrans hear it.19

“I’m still confused,” said Duncan rather plaintively. “Just what does the good general want from us? How can we raw colonials contribute to the proceedings?”

“He’s only a professor, not a general,” replied Colin. “They’re extinct, even on Earth. As I see it, a few nicely composed speeches, drawing whatever parallels you can find between our historical situations. A certain exotic charm-you know; a whiff of the frontier, where men still live dangerously. The usual barbarian virility, so

irresistible to decadent Terrans of all sexes. And, not least, a low-keyed yet genuine gratitude for the unexpected gift of an open Earth-Titan return ticket with all expenses for a two month stay. That solves several of our problems, and we should appreciate it.”

“Very true,” Duncan replied thoughtfully, “even though it wrecks our plans for the next five years.”

“It doesn’t wreck them,” said Colin. “It advances them. Time gained is time created. And success in politics-” “—depends upon the masterful administration of the unforeseen, as you are so fond of saying. Well, this invitation is certainly unforeseen, and I’ll try to master it. Have we sent an official thank you?”

“Only a routine acknowledgment. I suggest that you follow it up, Duncan, with a personal note to President—er-Professor Washington.”

“They’re both right,” said Malcolm, rereading the formal invitation. “it says here: “Chairman of the Quincentennial Celebration Committee, and

President of the Historical Association of Virginia.” So you can take your choice.”

“We’ve got to be very careful about this, or someone will bring it up in the Assembly. Was the invitation official, or personal?”

“It’s not government to government, I’m happy to say, since the Committee sponsored it. And the fax was addressed to the Honorable Malcolm Makenzie, not to the President.” The Honorable Malcolm Makenzie, also President of

Titan, was clearly pleased at this subtle distinction.

“Do I detect in this the fine hand of your good friend Ambassador Farrell?” asked Colin.

“I’m sure the idea never occurred to him.”

“I thought as much. Well, even if we are on firm legal grounds, that won’t stop the objections. There will be the usual cries of privilege, and we’ll be accused once again of running Titan for our personal benefit.”

“I’d like to know who started the word ‘fiefdom! circulating. I had to look it up.”

Colin ignored the older man’s interruption. As Chief Administrator, he

had to face the day-to-day problems of running the world, and could not afford the slight irresponsibility that Malcolm was beginning to show in his old age. It was not senility Grandfather was still only a hundred and twenty-four -but, rather, the carefree, Olympian attitude of one who had seen and experienced everything, and had achieved all his ambitions.

“There are two points in our favor,” Colin continued. “No official funds are involved, so we can’t be criticized for using government money. And let’s have no false modesty-Earth will expect a Makenzie. It might even be regarded as an insult if one of us didn’t go. And as Duncan is the only possibility, that settles the matter.”

“You’re perfectly correct, of course. But not everyone will see it that way. All the families will want to send their younger sons and daughters.”

“There’s nothing to stop them,” Duncan interjected.

“How many could afford it? We couldn’t.”

“We could if we didn’t have some expensive extras in mind. So can the