“There’s something to that,” Spencer agreed more seriously. “By the same token, though, I’d argue that our current relations with the Andermani aren’t all that good where Silesia is concerned, either. I know that having problems with one neighbor isn’t exactly the best reason to go around borrowing problems with another, but in this instance, I really don’t see that we have a lot of options.”

“Excuse me, Abraham,” another participant said, “but we always have options.”

“Does that reflect your personal view, Ms. Houseman?” Spencer asked. “Or does it reflect the opinion of your brother?”

“I haven’t specifically discussed it with Reginald.” There was the faintest hint of an edge in Jacqueline Houseman’s voice, but she made an obvious effort to smile pleasantly at the older man. The two of them detested one another cordially, and it was an open secret that Spencer had strongly supported Elizabeth III when the Crown declined Prime Minister High Ridge’s nomination of Ms. Houseman for membership on the CCFA. “On the other hand, I don’t really have to. Options are what are available to anyone who keeps an open mind and is willing to question the comfortable assumptions of established thinking.”

“A point I can entirely agree with.” Spencer nodded. “In fact, it’s a proposition which I’ve debated many times with your brother. I only asked because I wondered if the Government is finally prepared to comment officially on this matter.”

“As I say, Reginald and I haven’t really spoken about it,” Houseman said. “And if the Government were about to take any sort of official position, I scarcely think I would be the proper spokesperson for it. On the other hand, you might reflect that Harvest Joy has been home for less than a week. It’s just a bit early, don’t you think, for the Government to be announcing any official policy decisions?”

“Perhaps. But I don’t think it’s too early for the Government to at least acknowledge that those decisions are going to have to be made,” Spencer replied with a thin smile, and Houseman bristled.

“I scarcely think—” She began in a hotter tone, but Stephen Stahler, the program host, interrupted her smoothly.

“I think we’re straying just a bit afield,” he said firmly but pleasantly. “We’re scheduled to discuss the political aspects of the situation in our next segment. In fact, I believe you and Mr. Spencer are both on that panel, as well, Ms. Houseman. Our focus at the moment, however, is on the economic aspects.”

“You’re quite correct, Stephen,” Houseman said, and smiled more naturally. “Of course, as I’m sure Mr. Spencer would agree, government policy is going to have a major impact on the economic possibilities.”

“Oh, certainly. There’s no question that,” Spencer agreed.

“Well, in that case, and without trying to lead the discussion off topic, I do think that it’s legitimate to point out that whether or not we permit the location and… diplomatic considerations of this new terminus to dictate our attitude towards it is entirely up to us.”