e distances and
populations involved, that domination is obviously impossible. But if
we began to construct conversion bombs, and if word of it got out, the
whole Galaxy would rise against us, all the way to the Edge."

"But, Mr. President," the Manager of Defense said calmly. "We are not
a unique people. If we do not produce the conversion bomb, you may
rest assured that someone else will. Maybe even our friends, the Gnii.
No system has ever saved itself by refusing to manufacture the best
weapons available to it. As for the Galaxy rising against us--if we
have the conversion bomb, let them! We will be able to defend
ourselves against any or all of them and blast their suns into novae."

"Until _they_ have the bomb," the Manager of Scientific Research
interrupted. "As you say, we are not a unique people."

"Gentlemen," the President said, standing up suddenly. "I feel tired
and dizzy. The idea of a bomb that can wipe out systems is new to me.
If you will leave your tapes, I will study your arguments tonight, and
we can resume this discussion tomorrow."

* * * * *

The two Managers rose immediately, shook hands with the President, and
left. They did not speak to each other as they went through the door.

"Mr. President," Al said, "it's seven o'clock. Will you join me for
dinner, sir?"

President Wong slumped back into his seat and stared dully at Al, only
half noticing his friendly grin. "What would you do about the Gnii,
Al, if you were in my place?" he asked.

"I'm sorry, sir," Al said, "but I really don't know. Better come along
for some dinner. You've had a hard day, and you have a harder one
ahead of you tomorrow. We saved a number of difficult problems that we
didn't want to throw at you on your first day in office."

A ghost of a smile crept over the President's face, then disappeared
quickly. "It's all right, Al. Go ahead and eat. I think I'll just stay
here and go over these tapes."

As Al left, President Wong saw the order for the police action on his
desk. He picked it up to call Al to take it with him, but his eyes
caught the words _500,000 men_ ... _sixteen years_, and a picture of
the terribly wounded veterans flashed before his eyes. Really, he
would have to go through the files and find out if the expedition was
necessary....

He opened the left-hand desk drawer and stared at the Gnii tapes, but
he didn't take any of them out. It seemed like too much of an effo