"My guess," said Orne, "is that about thirty or forty years ago, the conspirators first began breeding a few males, grooming them for really choice top positions. Other Nathian males--the accidents where sex-control failed--they never learned about the conspiracy. These new ones were full-fledged members. That's what I'd have been if I'd panned out as expected." Polly glared at him, looked back at her hands. "That part of the plan was scheduled to come to a head with this election," said Orne. "If they pulled this one off, they could move in more boldly." "You're in way over your head, boy," growled Polly. "You're too late to do anything about us!" "We'll see about that!" barked Spencer. He seemed to have regained his self-control. "A little publicity in the right places ... some key arrests and--" "No," said Orne. "She's right. It's too late for that. It was probably too late a hundred years ago. These dames were too firmly entrenched even then." * * * * * Stetson straightened away from the wall, smiled grimly at Orne. He seemed to be understanding a point that the others were missing. Diana still glared at Orne. Polly kept her attention on her hands, the tight smile playing about her lips. "These women probably control one out of three of the top positions in the League," said Orne. "Maybe more. Think, admiral ... think what would happen if you exposed this thing. There'd be secessions, riots, sub-governments would topple, the central government would be torn by suspicions and battles. What breeds in that atmosphere?" He shook his head. "The Rim War would seem like a picnic!" "We can't just ignore this!" barked Spencer. He stiffened, glared at Orne. "We can and we will," said Orne. "No choice." Polly looked up, studied Orne's face. Diana looked confused. "Once a Nathian, always a Nathian, eh?" snarled Spencer. "There's no such thing," said Orne. "Five hundred years' cross-breeding with other races saw to that. There's merely a secret society of astute political scientists." He smiled wryly at Polly, glanced back at Spencer. "Think of your own wife, sir. In all honesty, would you be ComGO today if she hadn't guided your career?" Spencer's face darkened. He drew in his chin, tried to stare Orne down, failed. Presently, he chuckled wryly. "Sobie is beginning to come to his senses," said Polly. "You're about through, son." "Don't underestimate your future son-in-law," said Orne. "Hah!" barked Diana. "I _hate_ you, Lewis Orne!" "You'll get over that," said Orne mildly. "Ohhhhhh!" Diana quivered with fury.