We decide that level 17 must be obtained to uphold the Honour of the Replicators. Vulcan has just reached it and he should not be left to carry the flag of the Replicators alone. Replicators at first and second places in the Alliance would be a worthwhile interim goal at which to aim.

We decide to avail ourselves of the Protected Planets Treaty. First, though, we build up our financial reserves to the maximum permitted by the coffers of our bank. 91 million Naquadah is accumulated in this way, plus an additional 14 million from a final attack. Then the barrier of the Treaty falls. 248 million still needed.

Over the two days of the Treaty Protection we earn another 60 million Naquadah approximately, leaving 188 million to go. We have sufficient heavy weapons to achieve this by means of a sale but this would surely send our ranking rapidly downwards.

But Allies, particularly, Replicator Allies, stick together. We supply our officer Vulcan with a flow of attack turns, 180 in all. With these he makes attacks on a number of fat, juicy targets, repairs his weapons and sends us the net amount remaining. In this way a massive 161 million Naquadah are added to our stock. Finally Vulcan loans us 27 million Naquadah and we are at the desired objective.

Ah, level 17! How rarefied the air is up here! What a pleasure to have over a billion covert action points! Now to turn our attention to paying back the loan and raising ourselves to second position behind Vulcan. Glowing-eyed Ones, eat your hosts’ hearts out!