[en] The topological expansion of the S-matrix implies that the pomeron and f are the same Regge trajectory. This hypothesis is confronted with data by successfully fitting sigmasub(tot) at moderate energies in a Regge model containing only one prominent vacuum trajectory, plus the rho and ω. Couplings and intercepts obey the constraints imposed by the topological expansion. The cylinder coupling is found to be 0.16. Existing data on ππ total cross sections are studied via FESR. The pomeron-f identity is consistent with the analysis. The conventional picture is not. (Auth.)