Chapter 8 Summary

Gerald Phist proposes the solution the reader has heard before from Roulette, to use criminals for undesirable assignments in outer space. Phist recalls his whistle blowing on Navy corruption, and Hope recalls protecting him, and bringing him into his staff. Hope Hubris says that the iron companies had been colluding because their product was the source of energy for the entire society, and Phist recommends nationalizing a poorly-performing iron company to make the industry competitive again. Hope sees this as an opportunity to create employment and profit for the government. Of course as soon as the company is nationalized, the educated workers flee.

The feelie chip returns to Hope, and now the anonymous woman kisses and responds to Hope's attraction. But she does not know what to do after he has removed her clothes, so he gives her instruction about arousal and sex...