i swallowed hard , trying to force down the lump in my throat . the doctor suddenly straightened and grinned at thomas . when i have a question about a parking ticket can i barge into your office ? `` one can change one 's mind , you know . oh , man , were we wrong , '' he said . standing in the center stood a man in a bright red suit and top hat . we could find other resource-rich worlds nearby . '' `` that 's what they 're for , '' he said . 