systems.
7 But The Turner Against had Agents in those systems. As the years
passed those Agents brought more and more disturbing reports. Despite
all treaties, all agreements, The Goddens were beginning a massive
building program for warships.
8 The Turner Against and his Aides studied the reports carefully. "At
this present rate of construction the General Of The Fleet announced
they will surpass our numbers in two years. It is a direct violation of
the peace treaty, and an act of war. We should attack now, while there
is still time."
9 "I cannot see, with our Security and population," The Turner Against
argued, "where they could possibly get the crews for so many vessels."
10 "Droids," explained The General Of The Fleet, "very primitive and
cheaply produced units they call PRUS. They don't use crystalline power
packs which The Goddens are short of, but primatave batteries which
only give them two hour's functioning time, without recharge. They
must be plugged into their stations to perform prolonged duty.
11 The ships they're building are designed to be operated by these
droids. Only their prime crew will be organic. There are even rumors
that for the first time women are being impressed into the Service,
serving in secondary positions only."
12 "I'm afraid," admitted The Turner Against, "our enemies have learned
from your father, General. We must match their building program,
reactivate ships from the reserves, take old vessels that have been
used for other purposes and refit them. I want to match them, ship for
ship."
13 A few months later The General Of The Fleet rushed into The First
Speaker's office. "We have just received," he cried, "an interrupted
message from one of our Agents.