"I can not give you supervision. I am but one. Consider, Andy. A planet filled with inventive people, a large quantity of which are highly trained technically. What would they say to a program which restricted them to any single phase? We came, and all that we could do to assist was to let your race know that directive power was available. The problem of power is an interesting thing, Andy. The initial steps into any realm of power are such that the discoverers are self-protected by their own lack of knowledge, and their investigations lead them into more and more knowledge; they gain the dangerous after learning how to protect themselves against it. The directive power could destroy not only Terra but the entire Solar System if improperly applied." "What you're saying is that we could not understand it," objected Andrew. "I admit it. Could a savage hurt himself if permitted to enter a powerhouse--even one of the primitive electronic places? Obviously he could. Even were he given the tools of the art, his survival might be a matter of guesswork. Only study permits any of us to work with power, Andy. When the Terrans are capable of handling the source of interstellar power, it shall come to them--be discovered by them, if you will. Meanwhile I can but watch and wait, and when I am approached I can and will try to guide Terra. That, Andy, is my job." "We'll hunt for it!" "I know," said Gerd Lel Rayne with a smile. "Your fellows are hunting now. I approve. But I may not point the way. Your race must only find it when you are ready to handle it." * * * * * Gerd arose from his chair and flexed the muscles across his back. The reason for his arising was not clear to Andrew immediately, but it came less than three seconds later--It was Gaya Lel Rayne, Gerd's mate. Andrew arose and greeted her with genuine pleasure. Her smile was brilliant and genuine. "Business?" she asked. "Yes," answered Gerd. "But do not leave, because the discussion is interesting. Andy, the perfect example of the persistent newsman, is holding forth on the interstellar power." "They've discovered it?" asked Gaya in hopeful pleasure. "No," answered Tremaine. "We'd like to, though." "You will," said Gaya. "I know you will." "We know we will, too," said Andrew. "Our irritation is not that we shall be denied it, but that it takes us so long to find it when there is one on Terra that knows it well." "Please, Andy. I do most definitely not know it well. I am no technician." Gaya looked at her husband quickly. "He's excusing himself," she said with a laugh. "He's hoping that we'll believe that his knowledge is no better than ours and that we'll be content. But, Gerd, I know that you know enough to give us the answer." "You know? How, may I ask?" "It is inconceivable that you would not know."