"In addition, Thomakein has ambition to become the supreme ruler over the allied Solar System and Ertene."
Harabond, the head of the Council, arose. "Assuming that Thomakein were successful in his mechanical intrigue—he might be elected to rule. The accomplishment of such a feat would prove his ability."
"Ertene can be swung, can't it?" asked Guy.
"Yes—but only if it is universally agreed on Ertene."
Guy leaned forward and his voice was dry and hard. "Harabond, on Terra it is reported that many times a brilliant but dishonest leader of minorities has succeeded in making a shambles of the world before he was subdued. It is fear of this that has made Terrans distrustful of everyone who is not openly for them. And do you think that a man capable of running this intrigue to its present state of completion would stop at elections? He'll grab!"
"Thomakein, will you offer defense?"
Thomakein stood forward with a cryptic smile upon his lips. "Harabond, how long have you been Leader of the Council?"
"Proceed, Thomakein. Leave the personalities out of this."
"You do not know the man before you," said Thomakein. "Those of you who were here when we first met a denizen of Sol—do you remember Gomanar? This is he!"
"Impossible."