The Game Of Empire

by Poul Anderson

  "As for you, Father Axor," Flandry went on, "if you wish, I'll obtain adequate funding for your research. Shall I?"

  "God bless you, whether you like it or not," the Wodenite replied, ocean-deep. "What you endow goes beyond space or time." He crossed his hands on his forelegs and smiled, as a being may who is winning salvation for himself and his beloved.