Dr. Kang interrupted, "Then my theory was right, at least in part? Space travel is responsible for the commingling of planetary types."
"Yes," nodded Borisu. "And had the Gogeans gone no farther than this, their worlds might still exist. Their people might still be a great people instead of the decadent sprinkling we met on Jupiter.
"But they were not content with draining the wealth of one solar system. No, they must venture afar. So Gogean space-vessels, a mighty armada of them, came to our neighboring system, there by weight of superior science wreaked havoc on our cities, slew our brave warriors and set themselves up as rulers not only of their system but of our own.
"But their tyranny was short-lived. Though our race had not solved the secret of spaceflight, still our scientists possessed a vast knowledge. They turned to the construction of a weapon which should overthrow the interlopers. You know the result, because you have experienced it. Our scientists discovered an all-penetrating ray with the power of contracting the molecules of anything upon which it was turned. In brief, a 'dwindling' ray which projects what you Earthmen call gamma or cosmic rays.
"The hour for revolt was struck. Long was the warfare, and bloody. But ultimately our people were triumphant. And in judicial council, when victory had been won, it was decided that never again would Gog be granted an opportunity to threaten cosmic peace with its lust for power. And since the only way to cure a disease is by ruthlessly crushing out its roots, a gigantic cosmic ray gun was built. This was turned upon Gog—"
"And Gog," Dr. Bryant took up the tale, from the depths of his scientific wisdom supplying the details as accurately as if he had been eye witness, "dwindling, crumbled into ruins beneath the cannon's radiation. But your vengeance did not stop there. You continued to play the gun upon the whole of Sol's system. Now, not only one world but an entire universe had been contracted well-nigh to the breaking point. Shortly our parent star itself will become too densely packed to supply light, and then—"
"Then," proclaimed Borisu stridently, "our planet, called 'Magog' because it is 'the enemy of Gog', will reign triumphant throughout not only ours but through every universe."
Gary risked a swift glance at Warren. The skipper had not been idle. Moving a hair's breadth at a time he had finally gained the wall. Now a single motion of his hand would snap open the switch.
"But, Borisu," demanded Gary. "Are not your people satisfied? You have destroyed your real enemy. Must you take vengeance on the children of the other planets which never harmed you? On the descendants thousands of years removed of those with whom you once struggled?"