"A pattern so diabolic it's frightening. A pattern I'm convinced is weaving about us all. For example: Earth's complex civilization, atomic-powered industries and commerce, would be irreparably damaged if we were cut off from the Uranium isotope we receive from Mars. You can realize the seriousness when I point out that the annual shipment which should have arrived a month ago--did not arrive." Jal Tagar of Mars was instantly on his feet, his heavy-lidded eyes blazing. "I submit that my government is blameless! As you well know, the shipment was dispatched as usual! Your own Earth representatives were aboard--" DeHarries turned a smiling countenance upon Jal Tagar which left the Martian Overlord abashed. "No accusation has been made," DeHarries said softly, "and none is contemplated. I think we all agree that Mars is blameless." Aladdian arose to her full height of four-feet-eleven. "DeHarries is right. We have delayed too long. I have felt that there is a strange force at work among us. As you know, Venus has long held the secret of allotropic metal, which makes any space fleet invulnerable. We have guarded it carefully--"[1] [Footnote 1: Alcatraz of the Starways, Planet Stories, May, 1943.] She placed tiny fists upon the table. "Yet--our most secret documents, concerning the processing of this metal, have disappeared from the vault in our Royal Laboratories!" "A matter which need not concern us," growled Rehlek, the Callistan Leader. "Has it not been the Federation policy for each planet to solve its own internal problems?" "Save where those problems may effect the status of the Federation!" Aladdian countered. "I submit the theft of our allotropic process as a part of the _pattern_ DeHarries mentioned. Have _you_ nothing to report, Rehlek?" "Nothing that would have any bearing--" The Callistan hesitated, then his eyes became worried. "Yes! Simply that during the past year there has been an alarming traffic in _tsith-stems_ among our people. We thought we had this drug traffic stopped, but now it's growing out of hand. We can't trace how it's being entered and distributed. Under the influence of this drug our workers become restless, and easily incited to revolt." Rehlek wet his lips nervously. "Begging your pardon, Aladdian ... these _tsith-stems_ come only from the K'Yarthan Swamp of Venus!" Rasping sounds had been issuing from Sarik, the sun-hardened little Mercurian. Now he lifted his shell-like body from the chair. His faceted eyes glittered angrily. "We are newest in the Federation. We have tried to co-operate in every way. We even permitted the location, on our planet, of the Federation Prison for Outlaws and Irreconcilables. If what I have to report is a part of your _pattern_, DeHarries, make the most of it.