vel of mind, and hence
of strength, is rising," the fused Elders interrupted. "The trend is
ever upward; each peak and valley being higher than its predecessor.
When the indicated level has been reached--the level at which the
efficient use of the Lens will become possible--we will not only allow
ourselves to become known to them; we will engage them at every point."

"One factor remains obscure." A Thinker broke the ensuing silence. "In
this visualization I do not perceive anything to preclude the
possibility that the Eddorians may at any time visualize us. Granted
that the Elders of long ago did not merely visualize the Eddorians, but
perceived them in time-space surveys; that they and subsequent Elders
were able to maintain the status quo; and that the Eddorian way of
thought is essentially mechanistic, rather than philosophic, in nature.
There is still a possibility that the enemy may be able to deduce us by
processes of logic alone. This thought is particularly disturbing to me
at the present time because a rigid statistical analysis of the
occurrences upon those four planets shows that they cannot possibly
have been due to chance. With such an analysis as a starting point, a
mind of even moderate ability could visualize us practically in toto. I
assume, however, that this possibility has been taken into
consideration, and suggest that the membership be informed."

"The point is well taken. The possibility exists. While the probability
is very great that such an analysis will not be made until after we have
declared ourselves, it is not a certainty. Immediately upon deducing our
existence, however, the Eddorians would begin to build against us, upon
the four planets and elsewhere. Since there is only one effective
counter-structure possible, and since we Elders have long been alert to
detect the first indications of that particular activity, we know that
the situation remains unchanged. If it changes, we will call at once
another full meeting of minds. Are there any other matters of moment...?
If not, this conference will dissolve."

3. ATLANTIS

Ariponides, recently elected Faros of Atlantis for his third five-year
term, stood at a window of his office atop the towering Farostery. His
hands were clasped loosely behind his back. He did not really see the
tremendous expanse of quiet ocean, nor the bustling harbor, nor the
metropolis spread out so magnificently and so busily beneath him. He
stood there, motionl