"What count of planets had the Terrans infested?" The furry humanoid leaned over the desk and stared, unblinking, at the lesser humanoid in the only other chair in the room. His gaze was dropped as he scratched informally at the heavy fur at his wrist. He raised his gaze again. "Forty-three is the count, _beush_," replied the other. "And the count of planets destroyed?" "Forty-three planetoid missiles were sent and detonated simultaneously without resistance or losses on our part, _beush_," the assistant _beush_ answered indirectly. The room was hot, so the _beush_ lazily passed his hand over a faintly glowing panel. The room was cooled, and a large-eyed female with silky, ochrous fur--very desirable to the majority of humanoids--entered with two flared glasses of an odorless, transparent liquid--very desirable to the majority of humanoids. The lesser humanoid was being treated exceptionately well. The room was momentarily silent as the two sipped at their drinks with black lips. The _beush_, as customary, spoke first. "Inform me of the pre-espionage intelligence accomplishments contra-Energi. I have not been previously informed. Do not spare the details." "Of certainty, _beush_," began the assistant with all the grace of an informer. "The Light and Force Research of the Energi is executed in one center of one planet, the planet being Energa, as our intelligence service has conveniently listed it. The Energi have negative necessity for secrecy in their Light and Force Research, because, first, all centers are crusted and protected by Force Domes. Second, it is near impossibility that one could so self-disguise that he would negatively be detectable." He hesitated. "And these Energi," queried the _beush_, "are semi-telepathic or empathic?" "Affirmative," the assistant mumbled. "Then you have there a third reason," offered the _beush_. "Graces be given you, _beush_." The _beush_ nodded in approval. "Continue, but negatively hesitate frequently or it will be necessary to discuss this subject post-present." * * * * *