"I was rather of the opinion," commented the doctor, "that the views of your company ran something along the same line." "Not at all, _not at all_! We believe firmly in the committee system and systematic regulation by elected agencies. There can be no grand-scale despotism in The Company! Why, our officers receive psychotesting every six months to assure the policy-holders that they have no personal power ambitions. I tell you, Doctor, that such men as Elbert Avery are a threat to our national democracy. He seems perfectly capable of going back into business at the drop of a hat. The Company may have to send a man to Washington to work out some sort of control to prevent such men from re-entering business." Dr. Farrar looked thoughtful. "The control would be easy enough, but expensive," he remarked doubtfully. "The good of the country is always expensive." "What would you think of sending this whole group of social misfits out of the country?" Dr. Farrar could be cagey. "Force, Doctor? We couldn't do that." "But you'd like to see 'em go?" "Frankly, yes." "And if the government would take over the annuities, you'd feel even better?" "That is too much for The Company to ask." Brill was resigned now, almost wistful. Dr. Farrar settled himself back in his chair. "I have a plan, Mr. Brill; and perhaps you might be able to help me." (Brill sat forward.) "I would like to see Block Nineteen emptied completely--I would like to see its present occupants migrate to Venus on the _Colonia_. I don't think they'd ever come back. That would give your company several years to work out its new policy scheme and would remove what you call a dangerous menace to a safe distance. The next generation of Old Ones will be better schooled in ridding themselves of 'personal power ambition.' Do you think it could be done?" "Perhaps," Brill was slow to hope. "The Company certainly has the organization to put it through. But you'd never get them to go. Why, Avery thinks the whole _Colonia_ enterprise is financially unsound. He says it's the duty of every thinking man to do all he can to stop such ruinous nonsense. Colonization _is_ expensive, but it is undoubtedly best for the people of the world!... But that old Avery doesn't give a hang for the Assembly's making a gift of Venus to the people." "Avery would go like a shot rather than be left behind. And he's only one out of a thousand. You'd be willing to help?" * * * * * Brill hitched his chair even closer to the desk. "Just tell me first why you are so anxious to get rid of your entire observational group? Naturally The Company doesn't want to get mixed up in any personal animosities or anything unethical. Why do _you_ want to get rid of them, Doctor?" "If I can trust you to keep this as quiet as your company's interest in moving them out?" "Yes."