the path of least resistance.

"Our point of origin," Mr. Thompson began, "is Correylla, roughly
seven-eighths the size of Earth, in the Syrybic Galaxy. It is
approximately ... in your figures ... seventy-five trillion miles
distant."

"Must be quite a trip." Harry tried to be placid.

Mr. Thompson was momentarily amused. "Travel through Time and Space is
something we take for granted. The farthest corners of the Universe are
ours for the reaching. That is the foremost reason for our visit to your
Earth. You might call us Galactic Observers. You see, we already control
the twelve inhabited planets in our own Galaxy. And at this time we have
no desire to take on any more responsibility than that. But neither do
we want interference from another Galaxy ... such as this one!"

* * * * *

Harry was surprised. "You're giving this world a lot of credit. We've
barely moved off the Earth. What makes you think we could cause your
people any trouble?"

"By merely projecting yourselves into space you have eliminated the
major obstacle to space travel. Remember it took thousands of years for
someone on your Earth to discover electricity. But observe the wonders
you have accomplished with it in the relatively few years _since_ it was
discovered. The same principle applies to your conquest of space. We are
not here to do you harm, Mr. Payne. It is merely our intention to warn
you, when the time comes, of the dangers you face should you decide to
venture too far."

"For people who intend no harm I'd say you and your friends are putting
on quite an unconvincing show."

"I assure you, Mr. Payne, our visit to Earth was intended purely for
observational purposes!"

"What do you mean, _was_?"

* * * * *

Thompson's face was grim. The easy chair that had accommodated his
small, roundish frame so perfectly now appeared to be uncomfortable for
him. A redness crept into his cheeks and spread over his smooth, tight
scalp.

"The fact is that your government has known about us for six months. Our
exact whereabouts has been a well guarded secret ... but they _were
informed_ of our presence here on Earth."

"Informed! But who could tell them ..."

Chase broke in impatiently. "We are wasting time! We must get those
recordings!"

The interruption was dismissed with a wave of Thompson's hand.

"Your government was informed by George Fisher."

"George Fisher!" Harry gu