Gupta had not expected anything different. "Indeed, indeed it must seem risky, Mr. President." He let his sonorous voice roll about the room. He was aware-none better-that his voice was in some ways his most potent weapon of debate; here he must employ it to the full. "With India being only newly come to space capability, in comparison with the United States, Russia, and even China and Europe, I can understand that it must sound strange for me to urge you tonot develop a NERVA-style spacecraft such asNike, especially when you have been given an engine and reactor capable of driving just such a vehicle. Yet I tell you that this is an opportunity-agreat opportunity-which I can see propelling India to the very forefront of space commerce." "That is what you said in your original proposal," Madhuri Ganeshan pointed out. The speaker for the Lok Sabha, the House of the People in the Indian parliament, was an intensely political, though scrupulously honest, member of the committee. She would be most concerned about the potential for political gain or loss from decisions made here. "We have seen the proposal. And make no mistake, sir, we do appreciate what you have done for us-advocating our side in the debates on the Mars Treaty, and in other ways showing you have not forgotten your heritage. We have read your proposal very carefully. You advocate building a so-called 'space elevator'-something no country has yet attempted-rather than build our own interplanetary vessel, when we are already being given one of the key components for nothing. I can see that such a course appeals to a gentleman such as yourself, Dr. Gupta, since you are well known as a visionary. It may be a bold and daring move to take this course, but many of us are elected to be reasonable, not risky.

Convince me that it is morereasonable to do this, and you will have my vote." Her sharp, severe features, framed by pure white hair, were like a sword upraised in salute and challenge.