he could see the flow of traffic at the port west of
the Lab buildings. Two spaceships took off and three came in while he
waited. And then the phone rang.

"I'm sorry," the operator said. "Waldon Thar is reported not on Janisson
VIII. He went to Rykeman III about two Earth years ago. Do you wish to
attempt to locate him there?"

"By all means," said Hockley. "Same priority."

This was better than he had hoped for. Thar could really get him the
information he needed on the Rykes. Twenty minutes later the phone rang
again. In the operator's first words Hockley sensed apology and knew the
attempt had failed.

"Our office has learned that Waldon Thar is at present on tour as aide
to the Ryke emissary, Liacan. We can perhaps trace--"

"No!" Hockley shouted. "That won't be necessary. I know now--"

He almost laughed aloud to himself. This was an incredible piece of good
luck. Waldon Thar was probably out at the space port right now--unless
one of those ships taking off had been the Ryke--

He wondered why Thar had not tried to contact him. Of course, it had
been a long time, but they had been very close at the center. He dialed
the field control tower. "I want to know if the ship from Rykeman III
has departed yet," he said.

"They were scheduled for six hours ago, but mechanical difficulty has
delayed them. Present estimated take-off is 1100."

Almost two hours to go, Hockley thought. That should be time enough.
"Please put me in communication with one of the aides aboard named
Waldon Thar. This is Sherman Hockley of Scientific Services. Priority
request."

"I'll try, sir." The tower operator manifested a sudden increase of
respect. "One moment, please."

Hockley heard the buzz and switch clicks of communication circuits
reaching for the ship. Then, in a moment, he heard the somewhat
irritated but familiar voice of his old friend.

"Waldon Thar speaking," the voice said. "Who wishes to talk?"

"Listen, you old son of a cyclotron's maiden aunt!" said Hockley. "Who
would want to talk on Sol III? Why didn't you give me a buzz when you
landed? I just found out you were here."

"Sherm Hockley, of course," the voice said with distant, unperturbed
tones. "This is indeed a surprise and a pleasure. To be honest, I had
forgotten Earth was your home planet."

"I'll try to think of something to jog your memory next time. How about
getting together?"

"Well--I don't have very long," said Thar hesitantly. "If you could