"Then there is hope for us?" A look of skepticism was mirrored in Rex's eyes. "A slim one, perhaps--a very slim one." He leaned suddenly forward. "You asked me why I contacted you only. Because, of all the nations on this planet, yours is the most powerful--the first powerful nation in the history of your planet that has fought no wars of aggression--that has subjugated no weaker nations. Certainly a hopeful overall sign." "And greater progress will be made in the future. Progress comes slowly. We must have time." "But progress has been too slow. There is little time left." "Could you be more specific?" "In rare cases, where planets have been found to be approaching a crest so to speak, extensions have been granted." "And you will grant us an extension?" "I'm not sure. There is nothing, at the moment, that justifies one." Rex pondered. "Yet there are strong indications--" The President waited. Rex gave his decision. "I will withhold judgment for five years. At the end of that time, I will contact you again. My judgment will then rest on what progress you have made in the interim." "But I am only one man!" "A powerful man. And I am very much afraid the fate of the planet lies with you and your nation." The President arose from his chair. Rex did likewise. The President said, "I will go personally to the United Nations--all together the heads of all the nations--" Rex shook his head. "I'm sorry. I can allow no such deviation from the channel of your present efforts. Telling your world of this meeting would put it in the nature of a threat. Thus, any results achieved would come through fear of punishment and would not be permanent." "There is one more point. Mine is an elective office. I may not be in the President's chair five years from now." Rex considered gravely. "I see. In that case, one of two things will happen, depending upon the man in your present office and the sincerity of his efforts." "And they are--?" "Perhaps we will contact him and give him our decision." "Or--?" Rex shrugged. "Perhaps we won't bother." He held out his hand. "Goodbye, Mr. President, and good luck...." * * * * * The President of the United States sat alone in his study. His face seemed wearier than usual. There was a sag in his shoulders that would have drawn comment in public. He was considering his future--the future of the world. There were of course many good men in both parties. In the privacy of his own thoughts, it was hard to judge which party had really done the nation greater service. At one time, he himself had debated running for the Presidency on the other ticket. The country would be in good hands regardless. Ordinarily. But now it came down to the man rather than the party. Would he be able to convince an incoming president of what had occurred on Mount Ranier? Make him truly understand how little time remained? Would his predecessor have been able to convince him?