“All right. Let’s begin with the world situation.” “I’d prefer a more cheerful subject—like cancer.” — Keith Laumer

Out of the synthesis of opposites, a cancerous growth called Beauty came into being; obscene antisurvival concepts named Loyalty, Courage, Justice were born into the universe.

Wherever the elemental Purities encountered this monstrous hybrid, a battle of extermination was joined. Good could compromise with Evil, but neither could meet with the half-breed, Art.

Yours is not to reason why, eh? I guess you’re lucky at that. It’s not dying that hurts—it’s living.

“Why do you fight this war?”

The alien mind howled out its war slogan—as incomprehensible as an astrologer’s jargon.