"Rescue," growled Bull. "That's not our kind of job. We're not outfitted for it. If that bunch of stuffed shirts didn't know enough to navigate through the corona and into the chromosphere, they deserve to die. Why should we risk our necks to save them?" "We're the only ship near enough to stand a chance of reaching them during the next couple hours. But that's not all. Alistar of Cygnus is on board." "Alistar of Cygnus?" one of the officers questioned. "Who the hell is he?" "An inspector from Intergalactic Federation Headquarters. Remember that container of electron stripped nuclei found in Federation Headquarters Building last month?" The men all nodded. * * * * * "The Federation figures it came from one of our nuclei dredges in one of Sol's spots. With all the other crazy things that have been happening lately to throw suspicion our way, our system stands in danger of being ejected from the Federation unless we can clear ourselves. You know what that would mean to our trade activities? "That's why they've sent Alistar of Cygnus here to make a preliminary investigation. His report will determine further action. Now suppose that something happens to Alistar? They're sure to think that it's part of some plot we're concocting in this corner of the galaxy. "We've got to find that ship and get him out. Those are our orders. We do it--or die trying." "Simple problem," sniffed Bull derisively. "All we have to do is locate a tiny thing like that on the sun. That's easy. Only about two and a half million miles of circumference to cover." Captain Stevens smiled. "It isn't that bad. The message that was picked up also gave a rough location. They were about 15 degrees North and near a small sunspot about 70 degrees west of the east limb of the sun as seen from Earth at the time of the message. I have plotted the coordinates. We've been on our way there ever since we began talking. "Are there any further questions, gentlemen? Then take up your assigned duties. You are all dismissed except Ensigns Wright and Allen." After all the others had filed out, Captain Stevens turned to the two nervously waiting officers. "I warned you two days ago to lay off. I don't mind your picking one another to pieces, but this feud of yours about the space worthiness of the Cerebus III has the whole crew upset." Skip and Bull looked guiltily at one another. Stevens went on. "Your bantering may have been amusing to the crew for a few days out of Terra. But now they're sensitive about it, and your panning the ship is making the men nervous. Both of you know a nervous crew is nothing to have on a ship operating within the atmosphere of the sun. Even a subconscious suspicion of the worth of the Cerebus III might cause some technician to make a mistake or hesitate long enough to send everyone to his death.