“Like life, senator?”
“Like life should be,” said the senator. “When the odds are too terrific, you resign. You do not force your opponent to play out to the bitter end. That’s ethics. When you see that you can’t win, but that you have a fighting chance, you try for the next best thing—a draw. That’s logic.”
Lee laughed, a bit uncomfortably. “You’ve lived according to those rules, senator?”
“I’ve done my best,” said the senator, trying to sound humble.
Lee rose. “I must be going, senator.”
“Stay and have a drink.”
Lee shook his head. “Thanks, but I have work to do.”
“I owe you a drink,” said the senator. “Remind me of it sometime.”
For a long time after Lee left, Senator Homer Leonard sat unmoving in his chair.
Then he reached out a hand and picked up a knight to move it, but his fingers shook so that he dropped it and it clattered on the board.
* * *
Any person who gains the gift of life continuation by illegal or extralegal means, without bona fide recommendation or proper authorization through recognized channels, shall be, in effect, excommunicated from the human race. The facts of that person’s guilt, once proved, shall be published by every means at humanity’s command throughout the Earth and to every corner of the Earth so that all persons may know and recognize him. To further insure such recognition and identification, said convicted person must wear at all times, conspicuously displayed upon his person, a certain badge which shall advertise his guilt. While he may not be denied the ordinary basic requirements of life, such as food, adequate clothing, a minimum of shelter and medical care, he shall not be allowed to partake of or participate in any of the other refinements of civilization.