COMMANDER KANE helps DR. BLOODORY to the center of the laboratory chamber. The dishevelled DOCTOR leans against the floating slab, and massages his pounding skull. KANE steps back, assessing him.
KANE: Are you sure you’re alright? You look terrible.
BLOODORY: I’ll be fine. I just need a moment to collect my thoughts.
KANE: Perhaps we should test you?
KANE holds up three fingers in front of the DOCTOR.
KANE: (cont.) ...How many fingers am I holding up?
BLOODORY: (perturbed) Commander, I assure you I’ll be okay. I’m just a little lightheaded, that’s all. I’m more concerned about the control panel... they destroyed it!
KANE: But you will be able to repair it, yes?
BLOODORY: It will take a little time, of course, but I’m sure I can fix it.
KANE: Then pull yourself together and get to it, Doctor. I’ve decided we must hasten the schedule.
BLOODORY: What do you mean?
KANE: The acquisition of the Ondos system alone is not enough. We’re going to expand the invasion to include the planet’s neighboring systems as well.
BLOODORY ponders this for a moment, then smiles.
BLOODORY: Yes, much sooner than the Emperor is anticipating; a chance to gain favor...and prove to him that you hold the ultimate power in the galaxy.
KANE: In his name, of course.
BLOODORY: Of course, Commander. But the Emperor is far from here, and you are in actual control.
KANE: This isn’t the first time you’ve spoken in this fashion, Bloodory. Say what it is that’s in your mind.
BLOODORY: If you command it.
KANE: I do.
BLOODORY: Very well. The mind-control technology is about to become the very source of the Emperor’s power, and all of that power lies at your command. It makes you his equal.
KANE: You are close to treason, Bloodory.
BLOODORY: Is it treason to point out that you could demand a position of authority second only to that of Emperor Amedda? You could share dominion of the galaxy.
KANE: With you at my right hand?
BLOODORY: I’m your willing servant, Commander Kane.
KANE: I would not care to have the Emperor as my enemy.
BLOODORY: Formidable as he is, he is hardly an insurmountable problem.
KANE: You think not?
BLOODORY: He can be dealt with just the same as anyone else we’ve targeted for the procedure. Not even Admiral Vantos with the entire Imperial Starfleet at his command could stand against us if we so choose. Do not forget that you wield the ultimate power.
KANE: I shall consider what you’ve said, Bloodory. First, however, I must go and personally oversee the operation at Ondos. After we have proven beyond the shadow of a doubt that an entire system - nay, even an entire sector - can be subjugated, then there will be time to think further about your suggestion.
KANE heads for the exit.
KANE: Now then, I expect you to have everything up and running by the time I arrive at Ondos.
BLOODORY gives an exhausted nod and KANE leaves, departing for the salt flat.