"Eh?" A pained expression rippled the T.I.S. Commandant's ruddy features. "I'd like the chief engineer's rating aboard the first ship to reach the stars." There was a wistful note in Villanowski's voice. "There shouldn't be any hitch there," the Commandant agreed in a relieved tone. "You're the logical man to head an expedition outside the system." "What about a third assistant-engineer?" Gavin interrupted. "We work pretty well together," said Villanowski. Gavin's lean freckled face broke into a grin. "It's a bargain." The two men solemnly shook hands. [Transcriber's Note: Original text had two Section VIII headings. Second heading renumbered to IX.]