_Further_--so that was it. The creation of mechanoids must represent the height of human development. Which meant they were necessary to going on, reaching the stars.... "You mean, if humans could work _with_ mechanoids, we could even travel to other worlds and spread throughout the universe?" "He's getting close to the 'matter masters matter' principle," mused Mr. Third. "It's growth through extension, Sethos, a universal. Not just 'human'--man isn't alone in the universe." Sethos did not understand. But another thought struck him. "Just a moment, Hol. I've never seen you before. Where are you from?" "From Antares System. I am an ethnographer, making a survey of the planets of man's early history." Sethos was stunned. "You--you are from out in _space_? From the _stars_?" "That is correct. Man lives everywhere in the universe. But as Mr. Third said, that may be misleading." Sethos disregarded the comment. It didn't matter if he were alone or not, at least he was _there_--man in the universe! "I have completed a section of my work here. It is necessary to speak with the first level alone, if possible," said Hol. "Of course," said Mr. Third. "Sethos, there is a vehicle in the hall. Will you return home until you wish to contact us about therapy? You have clearance to come in directly when you decide." "Yes--yes, certainly." In his shock he was barely conscious of an autocar hurtling through the dark streets, the familiar trees of West Park looming above him. Then, once more he saw the lights at Matya's, heard the noise and laughter. Stepping from the autocar, Sethos felt the night breeze on his face. He looked upward at the sky, saw the stars like fierce eyes that had been watching all along. The revelation was too much to take, he thought. Suddenly Earth itself, so vastly greater than the small reservation of men, and short hours ago a veritable infinity, seemed tiny and insignificant. "Why, Sethos! Where have you been?" It was Paton's voice. The old man stood alone on the path. "Paton, you couldn't guess what has happened. It's incredible!" "Come up and get a drink, boy. You look exhausted. I was alarmed when I found you'd left." Sethos took his arm and faced him squarely. "Paton--I left the zone, and was taken to Mr. First's office. And do you know who I met? I met a man from the stars! Think of it! A man from other worlds, Paton. Do you realize that human beings have _already_ traveled those fantastic distances, long ago? They must have forgotten about us on Earth!" "Why, that is amazing. It just goes to show you, there's nothing new under the sun. Come along, and get that drink. I found some _exquisite_ wine." Sethos stopped. His hand slipped from Paton's arm. "Paton.... Did you hear what I said? Didn't it penetrate? I said man has _reached_ the stars! We already own the universe...." "Of course. But I must say I don't know what we want with it all. Won't you join us now? Say, Ela has been looking for you."