"The long-range goal—you failed to mention that ... your ultimate aim."
"I know what you are thinking. How can I prove you wrong—now?"
There was no way for the Varn to prove him wrong, nor for him to prove the treachery behind the Varn proposal. The proof would come only with time, when the Terran-Varn co-operation had transformed Terrans into a slave race.
The Varn spoke again. "You refuse to believe I am sincere?"
"I would be a naive fool to believe you."
"It will be too late to save Throon unless we act very quickly. I have told you why I am here. There is nothing more I can do to convince you but be the first to show trust. When I switch on the lights it will be within your power to kill me."
The Varn was gambling its life in a game in which he would be gambling the Plan and his race. It was a game he would end at the first sound of movement from the astrogator unit across the room....
"I have been here beside you all the time."
A furry paw brushed his face, claws flicked gently but grimly reminding along his throat.