original 10,000 colonists to approximately 40,000 within twentyyears, after which the rate of increase would of course rapidly grow.Assuming sixty years for planetfall, the population should now numberover one hundred sixty millions. Given population, all else follows."
Two hours later, the World Secretary summed up. "Ladies and gentlemen,we have the facts before us. There still exist differences ininterpretation, which however will not be resolved by continuedrepetition. I now call for a vote on the resolution proposed by theMilitary Member and presented by Commander Greylorn."
There was silence in the Council Chamber as the votes were recorded andtabulated. Then the World Secretary sighed softly.
"Commander," he said, "the Council has approved the resolution. I'msure that there will be general agreement that you will be placed at thehead of the project, since you were director of the team which developedthe new drive and are also the author of the plan. I wish you the bestof luck." He rose and extended his hand.
The first keel plate of the Armed Courier Vessel _Galahad_ was laidthirty-two hours later.