Countless? Yes. No one not of Arisia ever knew how many minds contributed to that stupendous flood of force. Bear in mind that in the First Galaxy alone there are over two thousand million suns: that each sun has, on the average, something over one and thirty-seven hundredths planets inhabited by intelligent life; that about one-half of these planets adhere to Civilization; and that Tellus, an average planet, graduates approximately one hundred Lensmen every year. "So far, Kit, so good," Constance panted. Although she was no longer trembling, she was still highly excited. "But I don't know how many more shots like that I've ... we've ... got left in the locker." "You're doing fine, Connie," Camilla soothed. "Sure you are, baby. You've got plenty of jets," Kit agreed. Except in moments of supreme stress these personal, individual exchanges of by-thoughts did not interfere with the smooth functioning of the Unit. "Fine work, all of you, kids. I knew that we'd get over the shakes as soon as--" "Watch it!" Camilla snapped. "Here comes the shock wave. Brace yourself, Kay. Hold us together, Kit!" The wave came. Everything that the Eddorians could send. The Unit's barrier did not waver. After a full second of it--a time comparable to days of continuous atomic bombing in ordinary warfare--Karen, who had been standing stiff and still, began to relax. "This is too, _too_ easy," she declared. "Who is helping me? I can't feel anything, but I simply know that I haven't got this much stuff. You, Cam--or is it all of you?" Not one of the Five was as yet thoroughly familiar with the operating characteristics of the Unit. "All of us, more or less, but mostly Kit," Camilla decided after a moment's thought. "He's got the weight of an inert planet." "Not me," Kit denied, vigorously. "Must be you other kids. Feels to me like Kat, mostly. All I'm doing is just sort of leaning up against you a little--just in case. I haven't done a thing so far." "Oh, no? Sure not!" Kathryn giggled, an infectious chuckle inherited or copied directly from her mother. "We know it, and that you're going to keep on loafing all the rest of the day. You wouldn't think of doing anything, even if you could. Just the same, we're all mighty glad that our big brother is here!" "QX, kids, seal the chatter. We've had time to learn that they can't crack us--so have they, by the way--so let's get to work."