Something of Curt's urgency caught at the man. He nodded, turned and gave swift orders. The radiant bulk of the Zemmd came into sight again and Curt saw it speeding, whirling toward them. They tumbled into the ship. The lock closed, and seconds later they were lifting up, carefully, through the Curtain. There the spacer poised. The Venusian stared through the under ports at the blazing, angry bulk of the Zemmd. Something of the truth mirrored in the man's eyes as he turned to Curt. "Shall we try blasting it? We have neutros and Ingrams! We have--" "No! It'll take super-sonic weapons to completely destroy these things. Powerful ones. Take me to Aladdian! I must contact Co-ordinator DeHarries of Earth." * * * * * Tor Ekkov paced endlessly, as they sped toward the hospitable continents of Venus. His glorious voice was gone, but his eyes had come alive and vibrant. He knew he'd soon return to his own people. But Lorine ... she was a forlorn and shattered figure. Her face had gone tragic, especially at the mention of Earth. "You're still thinking of what Jeffers told you?" Curt said. "Yes, Lorine, I'll have to take you back to Earth. But I can get absolute amnesty for you now. I shall demand it! And there are other reasons, Lorine. There are reasons--" A tightness in his throat made his voice sound strange. She whispered, "Yes?" Curt drew her to him, and she was happy in his arms.