on that score is that all seems quiet around the world.
Of course, if Russia has rounded up a quota of these two-hearted
characters they wouldn't be likely to tell us. They certainly haven't
shown up in the European countries with whom we consult. All I can say
about the situation behind the Iron Curtain is that they have made no
inquiries of us relative to the matter--and we certainly have made no
inquiries of them. Also, our people in the sensitive Eastern areas
report nothing indicative."

Pender bobbed his throat and said, "You told us you're sure the
creatures are from outer space. That makes our interests with Russia
mutual. Therefore, why shouldn't open inquiry be made?"

Brent frowned. "An entirely logical question. As a matter of fact, I
recommended that course. Nothing has been down in that direction,
however. At least, not to my knowledge."

"I assume the White House knows about this."

Brent nodded but did not elaborate, perhaps because to have done so
would have tended to clarify his own connection with the top spot in the
nation; a relationship accepted but not thoroughly understood by any man
present.

"May I inquire as to Senator Crane?" Bright asked.

"I see no reason why you shouldn't."

"He was in your anteroom when I entered. Obviously he was mad. I assume
that was because you excluded him from this meeting."

"Correct." Brent Taber's eyes turned a trifle steely. "In fact, I'd like
to know exactly how he found out about the meeting."

No one offered any data on this point and Bright asked, "Is it wise to
keep information of this vital nature from the United States Senate?"

"The information has not been kept from the United States Senate," Brent
corrected. "Let's say it has been kept from certain United States
Senators on the theory that the interests of the nation can best be
served by a closed-door policy on this matter until it becomes
clarified."

Whether they agreed or not, the men present accepted this as coming from
the top, and they would automatically abide by it.

"I suppose," Pender said, "that every effort is being made to apprehend
the missing pair."

"Every effort of which we are capable."

"What conclusions have you drawn from the fact that these ten creatures
are identical?"

"That they are not human beings, in the strictest sense of the word,"
Brent replied gravely.

"Then what are they?"

"We believe they are androids."

"And what the hell is an android?" Jo