At one time, cutting through the _oneness_ of the group, had come a thought of different, more penetrating quality than the others. A thought not of the wondrousness of Sasso but of the beauty and desirability and irresistible attraction of Sasso's priestess. And she had seen Sin half turn, even in the very presence of that she worshiped, to locate its source. Oh, Victor was a sly one. Margaret frowned uneasily. His look when she chose Wor had been laden with malice, and he could become dangerous. Sin had been pleased by his thought. Wor was silent until they were in the air. "Soon--as soon as I am ready--the resistance of the Rebels will be crushed. Their forests can not protect them forever from the Forces that I, Wor, command." His eyes were alert for the effect of his words. "Why don't you wipe them out immediately then?" Margaret asked, thinking of Sasso's _coming through_. "For one thing, they are clever." Something in his words made her realize he meant more than he had said, that his motives were not as simple as they appeared. "You mean--?" Wor looked at her searchingly. "One person, or two of opposite sexes, will acquire supreme power when Sasso _comes through_. Sin thinks because she is so old in the Faith that it will be she alone. But I have labored harder, devoted myself to the Faith even more wholeheartedly than she." "But wouldn't that be treason against Great Sasso?" The thought left Margaret aghast. Wor shook his head. "Sasso is far too great to care who receives the Power. With my knowledge of the Gateway and the Machine of Life, with your Earth brain that can project thoughts with such powerful intensity--" "But--" "Do you think you are safe?" Wor broke in angrily. "You are enough like Sin herself to know that she--" He did not need to complete his sentence. Margaret understood. She was well treated now--but Sin could change her mind. "You and I--together," she agreed. Margaret was an ambitious woman. With casual ease Wor landed on the fortress roof. Margaret started down the ramp toward her quarters but the big man seized her elbow. "No," he corrected. "This way." * * * * * In the morning Sin sent a messenger to Wor's rooms. The priestess of Sasso had known exactly where Margaret had spent the night. But she did not know of the things she and Wor had discussed in quiet whispers. "Did you find Wor a satisfactory companion?" Sin greeted her. Margaret eyed her steadily. "He's scarcely a mental giant," she replied. "A bit uncouth, but otherwise adequate." The answer seemed to amuse Sin. "And did you like the Observance of Sasso?" "It's--it's--" Margaret was at a loss for words but her face betrayed the tremendous hunger to wallow once more in Sasso's alien vileness. "How soon again?" Sin smiled at her enthusiasm. "You are one of us now, and the inherent character of your Closed World brain will help overcome the Rebels all the sooner," she declared.