ly with the Humans. The Science Ministry
has declared Terra out of bounds--_Positively no visitors_."

With a single flow of motion, the Fool gave Wert's tail a final twist,
leaped over his body, and bowed deeply to Tresqu.

"Beautifully done, Fool," applauded the Ruler of Hova. "Your mother
claims me as your father, and there are times I am inclined to believe
her. How would you like to be my Lord of War, Fool?"

"Verily, my good master," said the Fool, "I hope you consider me a
Fool by title only."

"Well said, Fool. You are spared. Go seek your pleasures."

With another bow, the Fool backed away.

"Stand up, Wert," said Tresqu, "and tell me about this captured
decontamination ship."

The Lord of War arose and managed to report with some smoothness. "Two
years ago, the Science Ministry turned Terra over to my command,
saying their long series of experiments was concluded. They
recommended complete decontamination of the planet, since the Humans
were developing technologies which could eventually threaten us. I
dispatched a ship for that purpose immediately, but it failed to
return. Also, reports from our base on Terra's satellite Luna ceased
soon thereafter. A scouting expedition was sent. It has just reported
the Luna base destroyed completely, and the decontaminator ship
crashed and stripped of all important devices in one of the Terran
deserts. By studying these removed devices, the Humans have
undoubtedly developed protections against them.

"I humbly submit, Your Majestic Wisdom, that these events have
endangered the safety of your glorious empire, and that drastic steps
against the Humans should be taken immediately. Also, Good Lord of
All, I submit that the Science Ministry, not the War Ministry, is at
fault in this affair. They obviously let their experiments get out of
control before calling us. Undoubtedly they would like to shift the
full blame onto my shoulders."

Tresqu continued his pleasant demeanor. "There may be some truth in
what you say, Wert. You overestimate the danger in this matter, I
perceive. After all, what is one backward planet against the forces of
my empire containing thirty-seven well-armed worlds? The Humans will
be destroyed, even if they have the secrets of a decontaminator ship.
As for the blame, which I admit is deplorable, the Lord of Science
will be called to the Mat to make his excuses. Now, assuming you
remain Lord of War, what action do you plan to take against the