"Nine dead," replied his friend, "a few injured--but all before you found their force-field's wave-length. A glorious victory, even at such a cost. In the years to come the names of those who died here tonight will be worshipped by a race of free men who were once Underlings." Larry, brooding thoughtfully, brushed off his final words. "Skip the flag-waving, pal. You sound like a politician back home. This scrap's not over by a damn sight. I think you underestimate the Masters." Sert said proudly, "And you underestimate our people, Larry Wilson. The news of this battle will spread, and before the next work-period thousands will flock to our standard. We will build more sonic machines, perhaps portable ones, and--" "Sure. And what are the Masters going to be doing while all this goes on? I'll give even money that right now they're herding in the Underlings from other parts of this city for a little wholesale slaughter. It _is_ a city, isn't it?" "Yes. One large city-state under a single _impervite_ dome operated from a control chamber." "Operated?" repeated Larry. "But, certainly. It can be opened for fresh air to be admitted, or for the egress and entrance of aircraft--" "Larry!" It was Sandra who interrupted. "There's our answer, Larry. Life is impossible without the protection of the dome. Whoever possesses the dome control chamber holds the whip hand. We must take that!" Sert's face brightened. "She is right, Larry Wilson. We must take the dome chamber--" "Wait a minute!" Larry had been thinking swiftly. "Sandy's got something there. But there are angles. First of all, we've got to seize the control chamber, yes. But we also need more men. If we don't get reserve strength--and good, strong fighting men, at that--sooner or later they'll starve us and our little rebellion right out of our cubby-holes. "Right now the odds are temporarily balanced. We have fewer men, but our men are more powerful. Theirs are the best weapons, but our single weapon makes theirs useless. They control the dome--a point in their favor. But we are fighting for life and freedom--a point in ours. "So it's a stalemate. And one that will turn into defeat for us unless we move swiftly. Before they recognize our pitiful weakness." He gazed sharply at Sandra. "Sert is needed here, to rally recruits. So it's up to you and me to get control of the dome chamber. I see one way to win. It's a dangerous way, but--" And he told them. When he had finished speaking, there was a heavy flush on Sert's forehead. He cried, "But no, Larry Wilson! I will not let you and this girl bear the burden of my oppressed race. We must find another way." "There is," Larry told him, "no other way. Sandy?" The girl placed her hand in his. "It is the only way, Larry," she said. "Darling," she added--and smiled. V