He paused as if relishing the effect of words that sealed a planet's doom. Then: "As for those humanoid creatures with silver furs Doctor Verdugo mentioned in his message, we have already planned their orbit of _achievement_ ... that is," the satanic chuckle rose again, "for the ones we spare to serve, the rest shall be disposed of properly." The unseen speaker's voice ceased, as if there were nothing more to be said. In the momentary silence the voice of a robot boomed behind him: "Master, a messenger from Panadur!" * * * * * Mark Lynn whirled and saw a new type of robot, whose delicate features resembled uncannily those of the beings of Europa. Its beryl eyes regarded him steadily as it stood motionless flanked by two robot guards. Then Mark received the telepathic message flashing from the super-robot's brain: "I, Leader of Panadur, have attended to represent my People." For an instant Mark wondered if the Leader had somehow transferred his own brain to the metal man, for some obscure purpose of his own, but telepathically, he was reassured. "The metal man's brain relays my thoughts only. It is a vehicle, nothing more, and can convey speech when the need shall arise." "War is imminent, Panadur," he telepathed, knowing that the Council could not receive his thoughts. "Without radiant energy we're doomed to failure." But from the super-robot came no answer. Mark Lynn whirled to face the Tele-Magnum again, and his voice rang true with contemptuous assurance. "You're dreaming, _Benevolence_! My offer was merely to prevent needless slaughter. Your hour of domination has passed. When your Terran Fleet reaches the orbit of Europa, it will disintegrate, leaving you and your cruel henchmen helpless to enforce your vandal rule on Mars and Venus; a tidal wave of retribution will sweep you out of the planetary colonies. Europa is and will remain free. Your despotic rule has come to an end. This is your _last_ chance for peace!" "You are mad!" There was a terrible anger in the voice of the Supreme Ruler. "Mad.... Do you think for an instant that I would send the entire Terran Fleet to your puny satellite? A mere section of a thousand ships will be enough to blast your blaspheming minions off its frozen wastes. But enough of this, in less than an hour our ships will be above you and death shall be swift!" The Tele-Screen went blank. "I can stay no longer, my men await me." Palanth rose abruptly and left the chamber. He hurried to his flagship that led a section of what remained of the great Spacers that had brought them to Europa. "My bluff has failed," Mark said quietly to Lucero, and his face was drained of all color. "Go to the Panadur caverns, my dear, they may be able to provide safety for you. I have only one course of action left."