"Understanding," I said. "That's all we need to turn this planet--and a lot of other ones--into the kind of worlds the human mind needs to expand into." "You're tired, Granthan," Kayle said. "You get some rest. In a few weeks you'll be back on the job, as good as new." "That's where the key is," I said. "In our minds; there's so much there, and we haven't even scratched the surface. To the mind nothing is impossible. Matter is an illusion, space and time are just convenient fictions--" "I'll leave the medal here, Mr. Granthan. When you feel equal to it, we'll make the official presentation. Television...." He faded off as I closed my eyes and thought about things that had been clamoring for attention ever since I'd met the Gool, but hadn't had time to explore. My arm.... I felt my way along it--from inside--tracing the area of damage, watching as the bodily defenses worked away, toiling to renew, replace. It was a slow, mindless process. But if I helped a little.... It was easy. The pattern was there. I felt the tissues renew themselves, the skin regenerate. The bone was more difficult. I searched out the necessary minerals, diverted blood; the broken ends knit.... The nurse was bending over me, a bowl of soup in her hand. * * * * * "You've been asleep for a long time, sir," she said, smiling. "How about some nice chicken broth now?" I ate the soup and asked for more. A doctor came and peeled back my bandages, did a double-take, and rushed away. I looked. The skin was new and pink, like a baby's--but it was all there. I flexed my right leg; there was no twinge of pain. I listened for a while as the doctors gabbled, clucked, probed and made pronouncements. Then I closed my eyes again. I thought about the matter transmitter. The government was sitting on it, of course. A military secret of the greatest importance, Titus called it. Maybe someday the public would hear about it; in the meantime-- "How about letting me out of here?" I said suddenly. A pop-eyed doctor with a fringe of gray hair blinked at me, went back to fingering my arm. Kayle hove into view. "I want out," I said. "I'm recovered, right? So now just give me my clothes." "Now, now, just relax, Granthan. You know it's not as simple as that. There are a lot of matters we must go over." "The war's over," I said. "You admitted that. I want out." "Sorry." Kayle shook his head. "That's out of the question." "Doc," I said. "Am I well?" "Yes," he said. "Amazing case. You're as fit as you'll ever be; I've never--" "I'm afraid you'll have to resign yourself to being here for a while longer, Granthan," Kayle said. "After all, we can't--" "Can't let the secret of matter transmission run around loose, hey? So until you figure out the angles, I'm a prisoner, right?" "I'd hardly call it that, Granthan. Still...."