The unwritten motto of United States Robot and Mechanical Men Corp. was well-known: "No employee makes the same mistake twice. He is fired the first … - Isaac Asimov

Throughout your administration, you have carried out a policy of scientific aid to the Kingdoms. You have given them atomic power. You have helped rebuild power plants on their territories. You have established medical clinics, chemical laboratories and factories.' 'Well? And your objection?' 'You have done this in order to keep them from attacking us. With these as bribes, you have been playing the fool in a colossal game of blackmail, in which you have allowed Terminus to be sucked dry – with the result that now we are at the mercy of these barbarians.

Los equites eran lo bastante ricos como para ser senadores, pero no pertenecían a las viejas familias senatoriales. A algunos de ellos Octavio los hizo senadores, pero a otros los colocó en cargos administrativos importantes. Se convirtieron en los "funcionarios públicos" del Imperio, por así decir. Fue de esa manera como las clases medias, bien tratadas, se hicieron ardientemente leales a Octavio y a sus sucesores.

Quien se cree sin mácula se hace aborrecible