"Eh? You? What kind of proof is that?" "If you will check the records, you will discover that I was 32 years old when the _Andromeda_ left the Solar System. I am now 52 years of age. If you doubt what your own eyes tell you about my physical condition, I suggest you have your doctors examine me." "They have worked on you. They have made you immortal?" "They have worked on the whole crew." "They did?" Nuoy gasped. "How much did they charge?" "Nothing," Captain Martin answered. "What? No charge?" Nuoy sounded as if he did not believe his ears. "No charge," the captain repeated. "Uh--uh!" Nuoy opened his mouth, closed it, made up his mind, opened his mouth again. "We'll have to change that," he said. It was Captain Martin's turn to be surprised. "I don't understand you." Nuoy was on his feet, making plans. "You and your ship will return to Star Goal immediately. I will accompany you." The slurping sounds in his throat were plainly audible. "Eh?" the captain said. Nuoy nodded firmly. "We will leave within two hours, as quickly as you can stock the ship and as soon as my servants can transfer my things to the vessel." Captain Martin glanced out of the corner of his eyes at General Stanley. The general looked in the other direction. "What about Earth Government?" "The government will authorize your return to Star Goal," Nuoy said, his voice sharp. "They're in my vest pocket." Again Martin glanced at Stanley. This time the general did not look away. Pain showed on his face but he made no attempt to deny Nuoy's statement. "But why are we going back to Star Goal in such a rush?" Martin spoke. "Don't be stupid, Martin," Nuoy answered. "If there is immortality to be had anywhere in the universe, I intend to have it. Later, we will establish a regular traffic between the Solar System and Star Goal. I know a great many men around the system who will pay handsomely for the privilege of visiting this planet you have discovered. We won't be such fools as to give immortality away." General Stanley managed to find his voice. "Perhaps Captain Martin does not wish to return immediately. After all, he and his men have been gone twenty years. They may have old friends they wish to see--" "Captain Martin will take orders," Nuoy said crisply. "Just like you do, Stanley." The general was silent. * * * * * The creature facing Craig and Mary was seated behind an elaborate control panel that was set in an alcove in the wall of the corridor leading into the ship. Craig Randall knew enough about space ships to know that no such alcove belonged here. He did not need to know anything about space ships to know that the creature in the alcove did not belong there. Nor did it belong anywhere in the Solar System.