But to keep Tlembo from stirring up trouble might well be worth the effort. Tlembans were not the intelligent race that the Terrans were, but-- Vorgan laughed. Let the Terrans have another job. They could possibly use the Tlembans in some way. Let Terra keep Tlembo satisfied and quiet and useful! Terrans were of exceedingly high intelligence, and the results of their researches often required either that the Terrans follow it, or that the Terrans direct a number of Loard-vogh. The latter was not right, politically, and it had been a bother to them all. To have a large group of Terrans all running down important details seemed better, though Vorgan admitted that it was a waste of good brainpower to have highly trained technicians performing routine research. Tlembans were of a high order of intelligence, though not as high as the Loard-vogh. They might be able to handle the routine experiments and act in tertiary capacities under Terran direction. An excellent idea. "Indan Ko, I offer you a brief period of armistice. Permit me to consult the Grand Council. I--" Lindoo entered, hurriedly. "Lord of All, Borgara's machine is here!" "Indan Ko, I must see this immediately. Consider the armistice while I am gone, and rest assured that I am about convinced that we can come to terms. I shall return directly." * * * * * Vorgan followed Lindoo into the large anteroom that opened on the nave of the reception room. There were six of the Loard-vogh Grand Council there, grouped around a machine of amazing complexity. It was more amazing because it did not appear to make good sense. Vorgan thought that perhaps it would make sense after it started to run. And the thing that made Vorgan catch his breath was the Terran sitting in the corner with folded arms. "Well," said Vorgan shortly, "what does it do?" Lindoo stepped forward and snapped the switch on the base. The Terran leaped to his feet and snapped it off. "Don't!" he warned. "That was a rash thing to do," snapped Vorgan. "I may be rash," admitted the Terran. "But lese-majesty is permissible when a life is in danger." "Lindoo, give me the details." "Borgara went crazy." "Crazy? How?" "I don't know. But it was tied up in this machine, somehow." Vorgan turned to the Terran. "Every time we have something out of line going on here, we find Terra mixed in it. What is your name, Terran?" "Edward Atkins." "Position, Atkins?" "Technician." "And what is this machine?" "A device I made at Borgara's direction." "Borgara went crazy. Why?" "Because he used this machine. I insist that it remain dormant. Otherwise the rest of you will be caught in the same unfortunate trap that befell Borgara the Powerful." "No doubt deplorable," observed Vorgan dryly. "Quite. I did his bidding, and he became enmeshed in it." "I'm not too surprised," snapped Vorgan. "So give me your side of the details. About one more like this and I am going to wipe Terra out."