Allyn brought the aircraft lower. People were congregating in the square, gesticulating. Allyn felt a stirring in his mind and, as plain as spoken words: "Come down. Land." Hesitantly his fingers touched the controls. The thoughts in his brain were gentle, encouraging. He glanced at Marva. Her eyes were on the scene below, dreamy, lips half parted. Behind her Keeven watched. There was eagerness in his face. "It's safe," he said to Allyn's questioning glance. "I sense it. They are friendly." Allyn felt it too. There was reassurance in the sight of people gathering, without fear, in an unprotected area. He brought the gyro to a landing in the cleared space of the square. Nevertheless he took gun in hand when he came to the door. Cautiously he opened it. And saw a sight beyond believing. These people were an impossibility! Dark haired people with silver eyes--silver eyed people with vari-colored hair! A cross-breeding of Olmen and Numen! It was absurd! Inconceivable! A path opened in the throng for a man who was obviously the leader. Like the others, he was an impossibility. He was tallest of all, with silver eyes and his hair was long and incredibly red. There was a red growth of hair on his chin where no Numan could grow hair. "Welcome, strangers from beyond the Radiation. Welcome to York. I am Jon, Elder of York." A thrill pierced Allyn. He stared at the smiling man, the smiling people behind him. No word had been spoken. Yet the words had been clear in his brain. Telepaths! Marva gasped as she realized this too. "Why they aren't even surprised to see us." Jon's answer was benign. "We know why you are here. You have not closed your minds to us. We knew that someday the Radiation would be conquered. It was predicted that generations would become acclimated to radioactivity and eventually find it no different to their systems than air or water." The thought was startling. But it gave the voyagers new hope. Perhaps they would here find a weapon to shatter the dome! Perhaps find new life for Nuwomen! Eagerly they came out of the gyro. That was their error. The Senior-Gard hurled to the door, catching the handle with his chained hands. Keeven turned. Too late! The door slammed shut. The Olman struck at the door with fists like battering rams. To no avail. The gyro hummed, lifted straight up, and went winging back toward the Barrier. "They're going for reinforcements!" Agitated Allyn turned to Jon. "They'll return and attack your town." The Elder's eyes twinkled. "There is no fear in York. Come to my dwelling. You will eat, and perhaps we can help you find what you seek." He led the way to one of the strange red colored houses. Inside were fabric hangings over the windows, and fabric covering the floor and furniture. Allyn found it colorful, but too barbaric for his own austere taste. The Elder's mate, a silver haired woman with friendly blue eyes came to serve them.