"No, the space-routes of the galaxy are all clear at the moment," the Chief answered. "But I've just had a report from the astronomers at Betelgeuse that a number of celestial bodies are approaching our galaxy from outer space. They report that there are about twenty of these bodies, that they are non-luminous and are apparently a group of dark stars. They are approaching with phenomenal speed and will reach our galaxy at a point near Betelgeuse." "And you want us to go out and investigate these oncoming dark stars?" I guessed as he paused. Lacq Larus nodded. "Yes. I want you to take a squadron of cruisers and go out into outer space to meet them. You will ascertain the exact course and speed of these dark stars and determine accurately where and when they will enter our galaxy. Then return here at once with your report." I saluted. "Very well, sir. If the cruisers are ready we'll start at once." "The squadron is waiting for you now down in the docks," Lacq Larus said. And he called after me as I went out, "I'll see that you get the leave due you when you return." * * * * * I went down to the great docks beside the tower, in which were resting or refitting hundreds of ships of the Interstellar Patrol. Most numerous among them were the long, cigar-shaped cruisers, the swiftest ships in space, grim beam-tubes projecting from their sides. There were also slower, broader-beamed meteor-sweeps; observation ships fitted with elaborate instruments; heat-cruisers such as are used for close work with nebulæ and suns; and representatives of all the other classes of ships in the Patrol. I found the squadron of twenty-five cruisers assigned me, waiting with all officers and crews aboard. Then I went on to my own cruiser and as I neared the dock where it rested I saw beside it a small crowd of Patrol officers listening to some one discoursing in a loud voice. As I drew nearer I saw that the speaker was a big, bulky figure and recognized him as Jhul Din, my second officer. Beside him, listening in some amusement, was Korus Kan, my first officer, and the other officers were hanging on his words. "----and we ran our ship at full speed right through that meteor-swarm!" Jhul Din was saying. "We went so fast that not a cursed meteor in the whole swarm ever touched us." "But weren't you afraid to head your cruiser into a meteor-swarm like that?" asked a young officer. Jhul Din stared at him. "Afraid? You won't know what it is to be afraid when you've spent as much time out in space as I have." "Well, you're going to spend a little more time in space right now," I broke in. "Jhul Din, call the crew to stations at once." He looked at me in dismay. "You don't mean that we're going out on patrol again, Dur Nal? Not when we've just come in?" "We're going out again, but not on patrol," I told him, and informed them briefly of the mission Lacq Larus had assigned to us.