"Better cut the preparation somewhat. Let the initial attack come before full preparation. Only in that way will we gain time."
"It is a gamble."
"I know it is a gamble," agreed Vorgan. "But one must gamble if the Galaxy is worth the fight."
"I wonder if we could convince the Sscantovians that our interests—No, it would not work. I like not that idea."
"Sscantoo would demand proof. It is far easier to prove that we have been all-conquering than otherwise. An alliance with them could not be made. To do so would require that we give them full confidence. And we cannot control a quarter of a galaxy of Loard-vogh slaves so well that they must not speak. And their weapons are less efficient than ours—we could gain nothing but manpower which we do not need.... No, Lindoo, we must go forward alone as we always have."
Lindoo smiled. "We must be on the everlasting lookout for spies."
"We shall. I wonder if it would not be best to exterminate them completely."
"I could do it alone."
"I know. I wonder. They are a hardy race, though, and ambitious workers. Extermination—"