Birthright

“They've got to,” said Thome firmly. “If they don't make an appearance, it's the end of everything.”

One after another, the alien delegations took the floor. Some of the speeches were conciliatory, some were noncommittal, some were overtly hostile. For hours they droned on, as Thome waited for his delegation.

Darkness fell, and Lerollion rose to speak once again. “Several of the assembled races must indulge in a recess for purposes of sleep and nourishment,” he said. “However, if Thome of the race of Man will still offer his assurance that his delegation is expected to arrive, I am prepared to wait for them.” “I don't know what has delayed them,” said Thome, “but I know they will come.” “I understand that the psychology of your race is such that their appearance here will be extremely painful and humiliating to them, which is why I offer to wait,” said Lerollion. “However, if they are not here by sunrise tomorrow, I have orders to return to my home world, regardless of whether or not the conference continues.”

With that, he recessed the meeting and took his seat. As night fell, Thome dozed sporadically. From time to time he awoke with a start, expecting to see his delegation entering the huge hall, but except for Lipas, Lerollion, and ten or twelve other beings, it was empty.

At daybreak Lerollion left, and most of the other alien delegations walked out with him. A handful remained until midday, and the ambassador from Quantos IX stayed until twilight. Then Thome found himself alone with Lipas. “Come along,” said the smaller man gently. Thome shook his head vigorously.

“But it's obvious that they're not going to come,” said Lipas. “Go ahead if you want,” said Thome. “I'll wait here by myself. Somebody should be here to greet them.” Lipas looked at his friend, then sighed and walked out of the hall. “They'll come,” said Thome softly, staring at the door through which no one would ever enter again. “Theymust come.”

He leaned back in his chair and waited. 26: THE DESTROYERS

...It was not without sincere regret and a deep sense of guilt that a war of extermination was waged against the remnants of Man's once-proud race. But in view of his capacity for violence and carnage, which continued unabated despite his fall from galactic primacy, no other alternative seemed feasible. For