Late comment, but.... Every time I read this, it just gets cooler. The parallels and reverses are simply brilliant - the part where Rod shows John the jumpers made my heart drop into my shoes.

(Though Mensa as the salvation of humanity is kind of funny. ^_^)

I'm putting in my vote for Elizabeth as the political officer. I can't think of another reason why a geek from linguistics would put herself up so high so fast. Though I think that if she is the one, she's playing the same game Rod would have.