They returned to the AstroBar, and Clements began trying to catch up with Jordan. "You know," said Jordan, his head wobbling a little with the emphasis he put into the words, "this is the damnedest farce in the history of the world." "You're absolutely right, chief," agreed Clements, taking another slug. "And what are we going to do about it?" Over his empty glass Jordan gave Clements a slow, confidential wink. Then he fished some papers out of his pocket. He folded them carefully and slipped them into an envelope. Meticulously drying a spot on the bar with his coatsleeve he put down the envelope and began writing on it. Finally he finished. Sealing it he waved it in the air in front of Clements. "These," he said solemnly "are the resignation forms you got for me that day. Do you remember those resignation forms, Clements, you old appointee, you?" Clements set his glass down indignantly. "Certainly I remember, old chiefie. I remember because I got a set for myself while I was at it." "Well, good for you, old appointee. Now, you take this envelope, and when we get back to Washington you put it in the office archives file, O.K.? Safest place this side of Fort Knox." "Depend on me, chief," he said, taking the envelope and reading the instructions Jordan had written. _To be held for the use of the Undersecretary for Cislunar Navigation incumbent in the year 2492._ "Good idea," said Clements. "Let's drink to the jerk ... O.K.?" * * * * * _Memo: 92 8574 27 October 2492_ _From: Secretary for Cislunar Navigation_ _To: Undersecretary_ _The oldest item in the archives file was opened today. We are not certain that it does not constitute some sort of barbaric practical joke. Note that the forms involved have been superseded several dozen times over since they were originally printed. Investigate and report._ _Memo: 92 1751 29 October 2492_ _From: Undersecretary for Cislunar Navigation_ _To: Secretary_ _Due to excessive demands for time caused by the present Congressional furor regarding our department and its rights and duties concerning debris collection and disposal we have been unable to act on your memo 92 8574. Present priority weighting indicates that the earliest compliance date will be late in December. Please denote concurrence._