"Attacked?" Palanth was instantly alert. "Why didn't you tell me, Mark?" The Spacer shrugged his shoulders. "It was a minor incident--only, it's mystery bothers me. I've been taught there's no crime on Terra, and I am too unimportant for political liquidation." "You forget," Doctor Fortun said softly, "the profound dislocations brought about by this unforeseen situation. Two-thirds of Terra's population have been evacuated. Another third--the most intractable, refuses cooperation. There are many sympathizers in high places. In the inevitable confusion, the efficiency of the World State has been impaired. What would have been impossible a few months ago, can happen now. You're not only our chief explorer, but a name to conjure with among Internationals--your word has never been broken. Being suspected of having become a subservient tool of the Council is enough for certain elements to consider you too dangerous to their aims--therefore, guard your life, Spacer!" "But I'm not a tool!" Mark exclaimed fiercely. "My allegiance to the Council only involves my life--not the lives of others--I'll not defraud them, dissenters or not!" * * * * * Doctor Fortun smiled quietly, as if contemplating some inner scene. The brilliant hazel eyes were veiled and whatever activity went on behind the smooth forehead was masked. The confusion within the Energy Center had subsided, and the guests were leaving now in orderly fashion, but as fast as possible. "It's time to exit," the girl said casually. "Pity we were interrupted just when we were beginning to really know each other." Suddenly her manner changed as with what seemed an unconscious gesture she removed the tight-fitting cap and her hair fell about her shoulders with the gleaming patina of dark gold. Her smile had the demure sweetness of an embarrassed girl, her eyes were soft and luminous as she gazed first at Mark and then at Palanth. "There's a strato-cruiser of the first order leaving at six for a resort on the gulf of Mexico--Havanol--it's perhaps the last time we'll have a chance to see it. Shall we ..." she hesitated, "shall we dine there?" Rose mantled her cheeks and her long lashes swept downwards as she made the suggestion. "Havanol!" Mark was enchanted. "Martian music and food to tempt archangels ... but how can you and I enter Havanol? It's open only to special permit!" "You're not by any remote chance forgetting me?" Palanth inquired with elaborate irony. "I've never seen Havanol, besides, I'm sure Doctor Fortun would like to use some Parnassin for the occasion." "Parnassin! The perfume of the butterfly orchids of Venus! Why, Palanth, it's worth more than _calchuites_--it's the rarest, the most unattainable of extracts!" Doctor Fortun clasped her hands in ecstasy at the very thought of it. Then her rigid scientific training asserted itself. "But I couldn't wear it, it's like evaporating a fortune in credits within a few hours," she said unhappily.