"A theory and a plan. It's my conviction that in our various
governments, in places of highest trust, _are men who are not what they
seem_!" He glanced about, saw that the others did not fully grasp the
idea.
"I mean that literally!" DeHarries went on. "_Men whose minds have
somehow been seized; who are now under the control of--of an alien
intelligence! Something not of our Federation!_"
Sarik waved a disdainful hand. "Men whose minds have been seized? That
is fantastic!"
"Is it? How much do you know of the members of your own Inner Council,
Sarik? Just one alien intellect planted there could cause inestimable
damage! What do you _really_ know of Jal Tagar, here, beyond what you
see? Or of Aladdian? Or of me? I may be an alien--though I deny it. Any
one or any several of us may be _other than what we seem_!"
Aladdian shuddered, glancing around. "It's an eerie thought--and one to
ponder upon! But you said you have a plan, DeHarries?"
"Yes." He glanced from face to face in the growing silence. "A very
simple plan. But I like to think it will work...."