THE COSMIC COMPUTER

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the newscast of the lift-out, a week later. It was peaceful and
harmonious; everybody, regardless of their attitudes on Merlin, seemed
agreed that this was the beginning of a new prosperity for the planet.
There were speeches. The bands played "Genji Gartner's Body," and the
"Spaceman's Hymn."

And, at the last, when the officers and crew were going aboard, Conn saw
his sister Flora clinging to Wade Lucas's arm. She was one of the small
party who went aboard for a final farewell. When she came off, along
with Sylvie, she was wiping her eyes, and Sylvie was comforting her.
Seeing that made Conn feel better even than watching the ship itself
lift away from Storisende.

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