Guy looked at the hand and then at Thomakein. "Why?" he said sharply.
"You did it!"
"I did it, all right. But look at me. And what have you to offer?"
"You still do not know. Guy, forgive me. I tried, myself, and failed. Your plan is superior to mine—yours works."
"Plan? Know?"
"I forced you into this."
"Yes, but you had no plan except a sort of self-aggrandizement."
Thomakein shook his head. "You didn't read my mind deep enough, Guy. The instrument you carried was never perfect and deep-seated concepts are often hidden because of the more powerful surface thoughts. I thought of conquest—and realized that sleepy, lazy Ertene couldn't conquer the Solar System and keep it conquered. What Sol needed was a man with drive and ability. No one wanted you, Guy, because you were continually torn between your own promises. I was responsible for that, I fear. I took you because of your latent ability, those long years ago, and planned well."
"And so you forced me into this place?"
"Yes," smiled Thomakein. "But the only way that you'll hold this sun full of cross-purposes together is to provide a common menace. Terra hates you more than she hates Mars, and Mars will co-operate with Ertene to get you. Ertene, burning mad because her desire to wander is curtailed by you, will throw in with both of them. Perhaps they will get used to co-operation after a bit, but never forget that competition will make advances far quicker than complete co-operation.