of Brenn's change of attitude.

"Exactly as I predicted, as you no doubt recall. How long until they
can have a thousand units of fuel produced?"

"Larue estimated fourteen days at best."

Y'Nor tapped his thick fingers on his desk, scowling thoughtfully. "As
little as seven extra days might force Vogar to accept the Alkorian
peace terms because of lack of fuel--the natives can work twice as
hard as they expected to. Tell old Brenn they will be given exactly
seven days from sunrise tomorrow.

"And summon Dalon and Graver. I want them to make use of every man on
the ship for a twenty-four hour guard-and-inspection system in the
plant. The natives will get no opportunities for stalling or
sabotage."

* * * * *

Brenn was writing at his book-laden table when Kane went into his
cottage the next morning.

"These are called edicts," Brenn said, after greeting him, "but I
possess no law-making powers and they are really only suggestions."

Brenn shoved the paper to one side. The script was somewhat different
from that of Vogar.

_The Vogarian inspection and guard system is no more than an expected
precaution against sabotage. The Vogarians must be regarded as
potential friends who now treat us with suspicion and arrogance only
because they do not yet realize the sincerity of our desire to help
them to any extent short of surrender--_

Kane looked up from the uncompleted, surprisingly humble, edict and
Brenn asked:

"Your commander, sir--he is now pleased with our actions?"

"Not exactly. He will disintegrate a town seven days from sunrise this
morning if all the fuel isn't produced by then."

"_Seven_--only _seven_ days?" There was startled disbelief on Brenn's
face. "But how can he expect us to produce so much fuel in so short a
time?"

"I don't know. I'm sorry--it's something I would have argued against
if I hadn't had too much sense to try."

"Seven days--" Brenn said again. "We can only pray that God will let
it be time enough."

* * * * *

Kane walked on to the plant. The hilltop where he had met the girl was
deserted and he felt a vague disappointment.

The plant was hot without the air-conditioner, especially in the
vicinity of the electronic roasters. The girls looked flushed and
uncomfortable, but for the redhead who still wore her scanty sunsuit.
The armed Vogarians looked incongruously out of place among the girls
and were sweati