tever you may
be doing, tune in!" the All-Highest broadcast. "Analysis of the data
furnished by the survey just completed shows that in general the Great
Plan is progressing satisfactorily. There seem to be only four planets
which our delegates have not been or may not be able to control
properly: Sol III, Rigel IV, Velantia III, and Palain VII. All four, you
will observe, are in the other galaxy. No trouble whatever has developed
in our own.

"Of these four, the first requires drastic and immediate personal
attention. Its people, in the brief interval since our previous general
survey, have developed nuclear energy and have fallen into a cultural
pattern which does not conform in any respect to the basic principles
laid down by us long since. Our deputies there, thinking erroneously
that they could handle matters without reporting fully to or calling for
help upon the next higher operating echelon, must be disciplined
sharply. Failure, from whatever cause, can not be tolerated.

"Gharlane, as Master Number Two, you will assume control of Sol III
immediately. This Circle now authorizes and instructs you to take
whatever steps may prove necessary to restore order upon that planet.
Examine carefully this data concerning the other three worlds which may
very shortly become troublesome. Is it your thought that one or more
others of this Circle should be assigned to work with you, to be sure
that these untoward developments are suppressed?"

"It is not, Your Supremacy," that worthy decided, after a time of study.
"Since the peoples in question are as yet of low intelligence; since one
form of flesh at a time is all that will have to be energized; and since
the techniques will be essentially similar; I can handle all four more
efficiently alone than with the help or cooperation of others. If I read
this data correctly, there will be need of only the most elementary
precaution in the employment of mental force, since of the four races,
only the Velantians have even a rudimentary knowledge of its uses.
Right?"

"We so read the data." Surprisingly enough, the Innermost Circle agreed
unanimously.

"Go, then. When finished, report in full."

"I go, All-Highest. I shall render a complete and conclusive report."

2. ARISIA

"We, the Elder Thinkers in fusion, are spreading in public view, for
study and full discussion, a visualization of the relationships existing
and to exist between Civilization and its irreconcilable a