"Dusty, you wouldn't stand in the way of Galactic Civilization, would you?"
"You're damn well tootin' I would if it's going to mow me down if I don't."
Scyth said soothingly, "Doubtless you have cases on your Earth where a state highway is surveyed right through someone's home. Tell me, Dusty, what happens then?"
"We buy the property at a fair price so that the family can find another home of the same value."
"So you don't stand like a barrier in the way of advancement."
"No we don't. But where are we—" Dusty eyed Scyth with a frown. "You're not going to tell me that your gang will migrate the people of Earth to another solar system, lock, stock and barrel?"
"That would be impossible, of course."
Dusty grunted. "So we gotta alternately cook and freeze just so your outfit can run a goddamned traffic pattern through our living room?"
"Well, now, it's not that bad," said Scyth placatingly.