And that settled it for Lesbee. The others hadn't noticed what he had. He sighed with relief at the false analysis, for it gave him that most perfect of all advantages: that which derived from his special education. Apparently, he alone knew enough to have analyzed what these creatures were. The proof was in the immense clarity of their thoughts. Long ago, on earth, it had been established that man had a faltering telepathic ability, which could be utilized consistently only by electronic amplification _outside_ his brain. The amount of energy needed for the step-up process was enough to burn out brain nerves, if applied directly. Since the Karn were utilizing it directly, they couldn't be living beings. Therefore, Dzing and his fellows were an advanced robot type. The true inhabitants of Alta III were not risking their own skins at all. Far more important to Lesbee, he could see how he might use these marvellous mechanisms to defeat Browne, take over the _Hope of Man_, and start the long journey back to Earth. III He had been watching the Karn at their work of destruction, while he had these thoughts. Now, he said aloud: "Hainker, Graves." "Yes?" The two men spoke together. "In a few moments I'm going to ask Captain Browne to turn the ship again. When he does, use our specimen gas guns!" The men grinned with relief. "Consider it done," said Hainker. Lesbee ordered the other four crewmen to be ready to use the specimen-holding devices at top speed. To Tellier he said, "You take charge if anything happens to me." Then he wrote one more message in the notebook: "These beings will probably continue their mental intercommunication after they are apparently rendered unconscious. Pay no attention, and do not comment on it in any way." He felt a lot better when that statement also had been read by the others, and the notebook was once more in his possession. Quickly, he spoke to the screen: "Captain Browne! Make another turn, just enough to pin them." And so they captured Dzing and his crew. As he had expected, the Karn continued their telepathic conversation. Dzing reported to his ground contact: "I think we did that rather well." There must have been an answering message from below, because he went on, "Yes, commander. We are now prisoners as per your instructions, and shall await events.... The imprisoning method? Each of us is pinned down by a machine which has been placed astride us, with the main section adjusted to the contour of our bodies. A series of rigid metal appendages fasten our arms and legs. All these devices are electronically controlled, and we can of course escape at any time. Naturally, such action is for later...." Lesbee was chilled by the analysis; but for expendables there was no turning back.