“At least try to see my motives. Granted that I was foolish—criminally foolish—can’t you understand? Can’t… — Isaac Asimov

The Autarch maintained his indifferent calm, but a certain lack of certainty was gathering, and he did not like to experience a lack of certainty. He liked nothing which made him aware of limitations. An Autarch should have no limitations, and on Lingane he had none that natural law did not impose.

Well, it was healthy to miss once in a while. It kept self-confidence balanced at a point safely short of arrogance.

Gillbret said, “Statistics show that one out of three stars has a planetary system.”

Biron nodded. It was a well-worn statistic. Every child was taught that in elementary Galactography.