"His actions on Terra prior to being forced out were not beneficent or benevolent."
"There were no permanent scars," mused the Student. "As for his use of the machine—it has done all Students good. Evidence to the effect that the mind is limitless is valuable, Len Dor Vale."
"But his is not the type that should use such a machine."
"Agreed. One should have a purely theoretical mind before one uses the machine. Otherwise the mind becomes agile and capacious with nothing for it to do. A complete theorist cares nothing for reduction of theory into practice; manipulation of ultra-theoretical concepts into solution is the end-all for us, and the obtaining of impractical mathematics can be handled in a super-energized mind without unbalance.
"But Wan Nes Stan's philosophy includes violence where necessary, and there will be violence. But not dangerous violence. No man can do anything irreplaceably devastating."
"Frankly," offered Len Dor Vale, "I feared that in taking his next step he might take Planet One with him."
"Unless he can control all of the Galactic minds there, he will not cause change in any but himself. Have no fear, even for those within his reach."
"I thank you. I was worried."
The Student nodded, and turned away from Len Dor Vale by a slight amount. The Student's eyes closed part way as he immersed himself in thought. As Len Dor Vale turned to go, the Student aroused himself briefly—long enough to add:
"Wan Nes Stan will take his next step and the Galaxy will be a better place for it."