Regin replied, "If they are individually important, then the culture
finds the individual important, as opposed to the insect-type which
wouldn't mind losing a few billions so long as the inner hive is
intact, or the anarchistic culture where the loss of a unit is not
even noticed, because every one of them is so preoccupied with his own
affairs that he can take no time to consider the next man."
"Right. So what?"
"I say let's hit 'em while they're all occupied in tracking down the
survivors of this wreck."
Faren Twill grunted sourly, "Ever try to interfere with a dog and her
pups? You get bitten whether you mean good or ill. If you care for my
opinion you'll ... Or do you give a damn?"
"Go ahead."
"I say we just slide in there quietly and collect the lifeships. Then,
later, we can go in boldly and establish our superior position."
Regin Naylo shook his head superciliously. "I say we should hit 'em
with all we've got and establish our physical superiority. Look, Faren,
either way this gang of subhumans is going to end up in some form
of servitude to us. Let's make it the quick and dirty way and save
manpower. Besides, what can they possibly have that we want?"