Billy Thompson faced the catman in spite of Linzete’s hiss of disapproval.
“I know of our danger,” snapped the ruler of Sscantoo. “Few know it better than I. I was on Terra just before trouble struck, and I know and appreciate the mass against me. And you tell me to submit willingly.”
“Might as well,” said Billy. “It’s inevitable.”
“Sscantoo has one chance,” said Linzete. “And that is to use Terra’s secret weapon.”
“You haven’t got it,” said Billy flatly. “And if you mean spore-bombing, don’t be an idiot.”
“i***t?” snarled Linzete. “Better an i***t than a turncoat that is now fighting his conquerors’ battles for them. You commanded a certain amount of respect, Thompson. But that debt was canceled on the day that you started to curry favor. Go back and fawn upon the Loard-vogh; do you
