"There are some here tonight," Broxted's voice lowered, "who hope that will happen. The _Valiant_ was built in record time under supervision of Dar Mihelson. It's supposed to have a new type of anti-grav." Broxted paused. "I knew Dar Mihelson well, when I was at Mars University two years ago. A fine man, and I trust him still. He's given his word that not a spore will reach Earth, and every precaution will be taken!" "It's a ticklish situation." "Yes. And believe me, the anti-Mars faction here has grown more than anyone dreams! There've been secret meetings, and tonight may set everything off. Ric ... if the _Valiant_ manages to up gravs, keep your eyes open! Wessell's here!" Ric's brows furrowed, beneath his shock of blond hair. Yes, Wessell _would_ be here. Felix Wessell was Supreme Commander of Earth's Interstellar Fleet, and he'd been particularly bitter in his denunciation of the Earth Council's decision to accept the Mars refugees. There had even been rumors that Wessell was holding the Fleet in readiness, if necessary, to prevent the _Valiant_ from landing on Earth. The man wielded a powerful influence. Ric looked about him now but didn't see his superior, Wessell, and didn't want to. He did see Lal Disbro, the Martian Ambassador. Disbro and his aides had been stranded on Earth when the sudden malady struck his planet. Now the man was a disconsolate figure who seemed to have aged ten years in as many weeks, knowing that only a few of his people were left and even their fate was an imponderable. It was largely due to Disbro's frantic efforts that the Earth Council had agreed to accept the _Valiant_--and then only after appeals to Venus and Mercury had been coldly refused. Looking at Disbro now, Ric felt truly sorry for him. * * * * * "It's almost time!" Broxted touched Ric's arm. The telescopic sights were being set to follow the _Valiant_ in its flight. There was tension in the room and sudden, deathly silence. Could the clumsy bulk of the _Valiant_ really hoist gravs, or would it crack up against the wastes of Mars? The future of a race was in the balance. The televise took on a deeper glow. The entire planet of Mars was a backdrop across the screen. The seconds ticked off. Suddenly then ... the _Valiant_ moved! It seemed to shudder for a moment under unleashed power. Then it slid slowly forward across sand. For a few seconds the scene wavered. The watchers couldn't tell what was happening. Ric gave a quick glance at Lal Disbro. The man's face had gone pale. Now it was apparent that the great ship was rising as a bulk, to hang poised, fighting against gravity. Then the flash of rockets was plainly seen--literally dozens of them, spaced in parallel rows across the long underhull.