Zip said, “But it’s not over yet, is it, sir? Whatever or whoever the aliens were afraid of hasn’t even been identified, much less overcome. And there are still six pirates who haven’t been captured. Zimbardo is still free and we haven’t any idea where he is. And the independent smugglers that Gene told us about disappeared without a trace.” Richard suddenly looked serious. “You’re right, Zip--and there’s still the matter of how Zimbardo knew our plans. Somewhere in our organization he has an ally--at least one.” Wulf Denn set his coffee cup down carefully and remarked, “But for now, things are peaceful. There is no danger anywhere, and no sign of any threat--and the amazing asteroid is ours to explore!” “Right you are,” agreed Rock, “and there are many secrets it can reveal to us. Time enough for us to face tomorrow’s dangers tomorrow.” The Starmen were comforted. If even Rock was not on guard, they felt free to relax. “What will you do now?” asked Robert Nolan. “Well sir,” said Mark. “David’s uncle and aunt have invited all of us to go their farm in West Virginia--our parents and David’s sister, too--for a long vacation. I love the stars, but frankly, spending time in the woods and fields, eating home-cooked meals at a large table with fifteen or so people, and sitting in front of a fireplace appeals to me more than I can say!” “I don’t blame you!” laughed Robert. “But don’t get too comfortable,” warned Richard, with a chuckle. “Something will come along before too long!” “Maybe mapping geological samples in the canyons of Mercury,” suggested Joe. “Maybe,” said Richard. * * * * * A little more than two months later, as the Seatons, Taylors, and Fosters prepared to celebrate Thanksgiving dinner on the farm, the _Tartarus_ was speeding through the void. “We’ve just passed the orbit of Neptune, sir,” announced the pilot. “Thank you, Mr. Gebbeth. We’re making good time.” Those who had seen Lurton Zimbardo in his last hours aboard the runaway asteroid would have been surprised to learn that he could be a patient man. As he had done almost obsessively since he had fled the asteroid, he sorted through his thoughts. “Hundreds of us reduced to dozens, and then dozens reduced to this handful of six. The Superiors promised me power once I had obtained for them the access codes to Earth’s primary systems. Access codes! That’s all they wanted, and Earth was to be mine for payment! I did my best! But now I will appeal to them directly and they will push these Starmen aside without mercy!” In the next book of the chronicles of the Starmen, JOURNEY TO THE TENTH PLANET, the threat to Earth will take new form. In the dark reaches beyond the orbit of Pluto, in the near-absolute zero of space, the Starmen will finally encounter the overwhelming power of the true enemies of Earth. The End