The great weapons of terror and destruction were placed under seal and guarded by a tough force born and bred to the service—a force that could not itself use those weapons without authority. Such authority could come only from a majority of the 374 Council members, each of whom would have to appear personally to open his share of the seals.

Councillor Antor Trelig was one such guardian and a strong political force on the governing body. Technically, he represented the People’s Party of New Outlook, a Comworld where people were bred to obedience and to function perfectly in their jobs. Actually, he represented a lot more, for he had a great deal of influence over other Council members as well. Some said he was ambitious enough to dream of one day controlling a majority, of holding in his hands the keys to the weapons that could wreck worlds.

He was a big man, around 190 centimeters tall, who had broad shoulders and a strong hooknose set atop a squared jaw. He looked as though made of granite. But he didn’t look like the power-mad villain many painted him as being, not standing there, fascinated, watching two men and a machine unmake a centaur.

The scientists performed a few additional demonstrations for him, even asked him if he wanted to try it. Trelig declined with a nervous laugh. But, after talking to the girl who walked off the raised disk and after seeing reality readjust to her original existence, he was convinced.

Later he relaxed with a very un-Com-like brandy in Zinder’s office.

“I can’t tell you how stunned I am,” he told them. “What you did is incredible, unbelievable. Tell me, could a huge one be built? One large enough to control whole planets?”

Zinder suddenly became hostile. “I don’t think doing so would be practical, Councillor. Too many variables.”