"A long and dismal prospect," said Vorgan. "But we must not give them time."
"They will have no time to do more than plan," said Lindoo. "It takes time to put a new skill into practice. We shall conquer them!"
"We shall conquer them," echoed Vorgan, the Lord of All.
"And we shall have to force the catmen, too, Lord of All."
"Why?" thundered the Lord of All.
"Because the catmen of Sscantoo are unsympathetic to all forms of alliance."
"They need never know."
"They will be told. Sol will ask their help."
"But ... I see," agreed Vorgan. "Being against all forms of alliance means that they will form an alliance, temporarily, in order to keep from being included in an everlasting tie. Yes, you are right. We may have to force them. But let us conquer Sol at any cost. And soon."
"As soon as we can prepare."