Nature abhors a vacuum, and I don’t like it much either. - Robert Sheckley

Ifs and buts could erode the soundest of principles.

Then the red telephone rang.
Dickerson’s heart gave a tremendous lurch. He closed his eyes, composing himself by reciting the mantra Dr. Mensch had given him: “Om mane padme hum, I smell the blood of an Englishmun.”

You must remember," the doctor said, "Society must be protected against the individual."
"Yes," Feerman said drowsily, "but who is to protect the individual against society?