1. Washington

The President of the United States meets with the enigmatic Gideon Chase in the Oval Office.  Gideon studies an image of Bill Reis, a man the President characterizes as a threat to the country.  From the photograph, Reis speaks of the planet Woldercan and his retirement to the South Pacific.  

Gideon lectures the President on the illusory nature of good and evil.  The President invites into the conversation John Ferguson, an agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  John describes the danger posed by Reis, who is suspected of espionage and other crimes. 

Citing Reis’ uncanny ability to evade detection, the President offers Gideon a prestigious professorship in exchange for his assistance in catching the criminal.  Deducing that Reis served as ambassador to Woldercan, Gideon reflects on his father’s service in that post and his childhood spent among the Wolders.