The Loard-vogh expanded their sphere. And like the attack upon Procyon IV, another globe of Loard-vogh dropped upon the planet. The power distribution center fought against itself and sapped power dangerously to drive off this new invasion.
A third invasion turned the trick. Power distribution failed; fell apart despite attempts to hold the network together.
"Your secret!" screamed Hotang Lu to Thompson.
Billy shook his head. "It is not yet time."
The Tlemban appealed to Kennebec.
The Co-ordinator of the Solar Combine agreed with Billy. "You still do not understand," he told Hotang Lu.
He faced Lane and Downing. "They will conquer us!"
Lane spoke for the pair of them. "You needn't appeal to us. I had partial foresight before—you said so. He had the ability to make lightning plans." He turned to Downing. "Or was it the other way around?"
"No matter," answered Stellor Downing. "Foresight is no good when planning is a part of the psyche. Instinctive and impetuous action do not match well with a planning nature. Since the transformation, we have both been slower—and quite bewildered, most of the time. No, Hotang Lu, all you can get from us is resentment over losing our ability to lead. Now, we no longer decide anything for ourselves. We cannot make up our minds."
Hotang Lu went to Patricia. "And you?"