Back on the home base, the Conductor reported in at the Ethication of Primitive Planets office. It was a magnificently imposing building, as befitting the moral seat of the universe. And the Overseer was an equally imposing human with ears greyed by service. His congratulations were unreserved. "A splendid mission, lad," he said, "and I don't mind suggesting—strictly entre nous—that it could jolly well result in a Fleet Conductorship for you."
The Conductor was overwhelmed.
"Now just let me jot down the essentials while they're still fresh in mind," he continued, pawing through a desk drawer. "Botheration! I seem to have traded the last of my styluses. Do you happen to have one on you?"
"With pleasure." The Conductor handed over his monogrammed gold stylus, receiving in exchange a toy silencemaker.
"My youngster traded it to me this morning," the Overseer chuckled.
He wrote rapidly for several moments, then gave the stylus............