Disgust flooded Ric like a cold wave from the sea. These people were lost, struggling against a hopeless existence. They were little more than beasts, and the addiction to the _eishn_ stems only hastened the inevitable. He could not even feel pity--and certainly he could expect no help from them. * * * * * He returned to their quarters in the city, weary of body and mind. It was hours before the dread effect of the spores left him--but Ric was determined not to resort to the _eishn_ stems. Praana and Tal Horan had returned, and they compared notes for the day. "They've gone far," Tal said grimly, "much farther than I ever dreamed! They have an improved type of atomic furnace. They process and shape the new metal into bomb-casings for the spores; but they're using it for new rocket-tubes as well! According to Kueelo, it will give them tubes that are absolutely blast proof and triples efficiency in relation to fuel consumption. Already they've equipped two new spacers, and will have more of them ready in the event that Earth refuses the Phobian ultimatum." Ric listened wearily, his mind trying to seize the problem. "What will the ultimatum be?" "I learned that today," Praana said. "Gorak will demand full recognition of Phobos as a member of the Inner Planet Federation, with himself as supreme ruler of Mars once he reclaims it from the red plague." "Earth Council will never agree!" "I learned even more," Praana went on. "Dar Mihelson managed to reach Luna safely with all units! They are safe for the time being, deep within Tycho. And Ric ... the balance of Earth's fleet has sided with your Earth Council, and against Wessell. Already a showdown battle is in the making!" Ric groaned. "Just what Gorak wanted! It will give him the time he needs. Tal, how far have they gone?" "Unfortunately, Kueelo's already deciphered our formula and it gives them the missing equation! You see, Bedril and I were working on a principle which meant stripping the outer sheathe of electrons from the new metal, without disrupting the atom itself--and the power generated would serve to counter-act the spores. Here, in their new type of atomic furnace, they have the necessary heat and pressure to do that." "What will it mean, then?" Ric's brows furrowed. "Simply that, in a manner of speaking, they'll be able to control the spore action, and they'll soon be able to launch the spore-bombs all the way to Earth!" Ric arose and paced the room angrily. He stepped to the outer door and peered along the corridor, but a group of guards hurried toward him with electros held in readiness. They had been instructed well. Ric turned and continued to pace the room. "It will be at least a few days before they're ready," Tal said. "There's little I can do to slow them down, Ric--but my chance may come!"