Chapter 4 Summary

Over breakfast, Hopie argues that school is useless, when computers can perform calculations, and when knowing the parts of speech does not help a person understand ideas. As a result of her arguments, Hopie is put in charge of the Department of Education.

Spirit shows Hope the daily briefs, which indicate that Saturn is making a move on Ganymede. Hope summons the Ganymede ambassador, who runs Ganymede as Saturn's Communist puppet state. Hope Hubris agrees to support the Premier's government, provided he leaks information about the Saturnine move on Ganymede.

Emerald phones in, and Hope summons her for a strategy session about the Navy and Ganymede. Before she arrives, Hope Hubris continues the business of appointing people to the jobs they have already had, to preserve some continuity with the previous government.

Emerald and her husband, retired Admiral Mondy, arrive, and tell Hope...