He could and would rise too. He would rise above them, he could and would become the high governor of all the great widespread race of Galactics. With intelligence above them, he could and would direct them wisely and well, and though none would live to carry his name onward, the name of Wan Nes Stan would go ringing down the halls of time. But Wan Nes Stan cared little for the halls of time, really. He wanted a present, not a future. That his name might appear as a beacon to uncounted numbers of yet unborn Galactics was attractive; his basic purpose was still to enjoy the power and the glory that would be his. He wanted the sensuous thrill of having the power that would place him among those whose names still ring though eons have passed. He began to plan craftily. * * * * * "Len Dor Vale, have I your backing?" he asked. "In two days you have proved yourself most able," agreed Vale. "I have your backing." "Need you receive it in words?" puzzled Len Dor Vale. "Must you have acclaim thrust upon you?" Wan Nes Stan smiled in self-depreciation. "I want you to help me," he said quietly. Len Dor Vale nodded. "What have you in mind?" "I want your help in securing me a grand overseer's position." "We'll see. It might be done." "Who must we convince?" "Convince? Only the aptitude machine." "A machine?" asked Wan Nes Stan. "Certainly. You are rated on your ability alone, and the aptitude machine has been devised to best select those with the greatest aptitude." "I see." Wan Nes Stan said no more. He spent more time in his mind machine, and he took increased and accelerated doses, checking each time to the maximum. He knew his machine to the last decimal place, and in six-hour-periods, Wan Nes Stan energized his brain; increasing its capacity by mighty leaps and bounds. He took his aptitude test, then, and the result caused mild wonder. His name was bandied back and forth across the galaxy, and he was requested to appear at the great Grand Council of the Galactics. "Len Dor Vale, what is the real meaning behind this request?" asked Wan Nes Stan, as the message was handed to him. "You do not know?" laughed the overseer. "Frankly, no. I suspect--but again I presume." "Not at all. No man presumes when his statements and beliefs are fact." "I have surpassed the tests required for this sector?" "You have surpassed all tests," smiled Len Dor Vale. "All tests?" "All tests. You are to be installed into the office of the Galactic Governor." "Galactic Governor?" gloated Wan Nes Stan. "Oh no. Aptitude is not all. Your aptitude is the highest in our race. Therefore you are to be installed in the office of the Galactic Governor as Governor-select." "And?"