"This is what we've been looking for!" exclaimed Farnum, examining the planet through a telescope. "They've got big cities and dams and bridges—they're civilized. Let's put the ship down."
"Wait up," said Bates. "What if they've got starman-phobia? Remember, they're people, just like us; and with people, civilization and weapons go together."
"I think you've got it backwards. If they hate us, we can probably get away before they bring up their big artillery. But what if they love us? They might want to keep us beside them forever."
Bates nodded. "I'm glad you agree with me. Let's get out of here. Nobody but us knows of the beautiful, profitable planets we've found, all ready to become part of a Terran Empire. And if we don't get back safe and sound, nobody will know. The information we've got is worth a fortune to us, and I want to be alive to collect it."
"Sure. But we've got the job of trying to find out why all those planets reverted to barbarism. This one hasn't; maybe the answer's here. There's no use setting up an empire if it won't last."
"It'll last long enough to keep you and me on top of the heap."
"That's not good enough. I want my kids—when I have them—to have their chances at the top of the heap too."
"Oh, all right. We'll flip a coin, then."
"We already did. You may be a sharp dealer, but you'd never welch on a bet. We're going down."
Bates shrugged. "You win. Let's put her down beside that big city over there—the biggest one, by the seashore."