"Why," said the Jovian frankly, "I think it would be a very good idea to expose it openly to the races of every solar planet. Earth has held its monopoly on spaceflight long enough. I think, don't you, it's almost time _all_ the worlds were given the right to free and competitive commerce?" Gary grinned, a warm admiration for this people suffusing him. And: "I think," he agreed, "you are absolutely right." * * * * * All these were interludes. There were others, too: amusing, entertaining, beguiling. Because now, on the eve of what must assuredly be their last and most perilous journey, almost to a last man the argonauts of the _Liberty_ were having a last fling at such pleasures as presented themselves. And in truth, there was much to be done, many beauties to be seen on Jupiter. For the entertainment of the Earthmen was planned an expedition to the Flaming Sea, that weird chemical phenomenon of cold light whose shimmering, ruddy reflection, viewed by Earth's telescopes centuries ago through the filtering layers of Jupiter's foggy shroud, had caused Earth scientists to ponder on the nature of the "Red Spot." On this trip almost all the _Liberty's_ personnel embarked, gay and carefree as youngsters gone a-picnicking. Lark O'Day, arm linked through that of his now-constant companion, the shy and quiet Pen-N'hi, came bridgeward to urge Gary on the trip. "Oh, come along, Lane!" he coaxed. "Come along and have some fun. A man can't work _all_ the time." Gary said with sincere regret, "I'm sorry, Lark, but I can't. I have to help the engineers complete their installation. And there are some final computations to be made yet--" Nora Powell, who had been standing in the background pleaded almost wistfully, "But it would be _so_ much fun, Gary. They say the Flaming Sea is one of the most beautiful sights in the galaxy. One of the seven wonders of the universe." "I know it. But I'm up to my ears--" The girl said almost hopefully, it seemed, "Then, maybe I'd better stay with you? Perhaps I can be of some assistance?" But Gary shook his head. "No, you run along. Hugh, you look out for Nora. See that she has a good time." Warren, grinning broadly, moved forward to link his arm in that of the girl. "Sure will, pal. The pleasure's all mine." So, in the end, all the adventurers save two took the sightseeing trip. Those two were Gary Lane and the elderly Eurasian scientist, Dr. Anjers, who had courteously excused himself. "When one reaches my age, my friends, one loses interest in romantic surroundings. No, I shall remain here to be of what assistance I can to Dr. Lane."