"That is not the best way. Killing would immortalize Garroway and--in the minds of many misguided people--forever brand the Galactic Ghost as an outlaw and murderer. No ... I will not destroy the Overlord. I will make him appear ignominious in the eyes of his subjects ... prove to all men that his vaunted powers are weak and futile. There is no weapon so strong as mirth, no blade so keen as scorn." Vurrth grunted heavily. "Maybe better you kill, Dirk. No trust Overlord." "My plans have been successful thus far," pointed out the Voice of Conscience. "Play along with me a little farther. I think the end is in sight. Neil ... be ready to send your forces into the Palace the moment I give the signal." "Right!" "And you, Brian ... see that the audiocast stations are controlled by us in time to speed word to the populace that the Emperor has been taken." "Right, Dirk." "And you, Vurrth--" "Me be on hand," growled Vurrth, "to watch Overlord. No like this." Dirk laughed. "As you will. Well ... until tonight, comrades!" Again, as oft before during these past weeks, the assembled brothers of the Group sensed the passage of a tingling vibrancy, and knew their leader had gone back to that strange, mysterious other universe which was now his home. Neil issued orders. The Group disbanded. * * * * * Back on Nadron, Dirk Morris sighed and unlimbered himself of the heavy harness which necessity forced his wearing when he made his peregrinations between the two worlds. To the Ptan Slador he said, "Well ... that's all I can do now. I shall try to rest until the hour comes." "And then?" asked Slador. "And then," repeated Dirk slowly, "success ... at last. If everything goes well, tonight will mark the beginning of the end. Earth's greatest citadel will fall, carrying with it into destruction not only the Emperor, but all those upon whom the burden of his military power rests. "With the fall of Earth, half the battle is won. No other planet is so tightly under Garroway's control as ours. With the Overlord imprisoned, the other worlds will burst free of their bondage ... the System will know again the joys of liberty." Rima said, "Dirk ... you have laid careful plans for tonight? You have plotted every move you will make?" "Under the circumstances, that is well-nigh impossible. I know only that the Emperor gathers with his staff. I shall have to make my entrance, then decide on the spur of the moment how best to accomplish my aims." "You are sure--" hesitated the girl--"this is not a trap of some sort?" "Trap?" Dirk laughed lightly. "How could it be?" "I don't know. But the Overlord is no fool. He is a ruthless man ... but he is no fool."