of the Committee that
there could hardly be any need for more data than is already available
to us. The remarkable effects of Ryke science on other backward worlds
is common knowledge.

"On the other hand we recognize the qualifications of you gentlemen
which make your request appear justified. We will have to discuss this
at length, but at the moment I believe I can say I am in sympathy with
your request and can encourage my Committee to give it serious
consideration."

* * * * *

A great deal more was said on that and subsequent days. News of the Ryke
offer was not given to the public, but the landing of the Ryke ship
could not be hidden. It became known that Liacan carried his offer to
other worlds and speculation was made that he offered it to Earth also.
Angry questions were raised as to why the purpose of the visit was not
clarified, but government silence was maintained while Hockley's request
was considered.

It encountered bitter debate in the closed sessions, but permission was
finally given for a junket of ninety scientists and ten senators to
Rykeman III.

This could not be hidden, so the facts were modified and a story given
out that the party was going to request participation in the Ryke
program being offered other worlds, that Liacan's visit had not been
conclusive.

In the days preceding the take-off Hockley felt a sense of destiny
weighing heavily upon him. He read every word of the stream of opinion
that flowed through the press. Every commentator and columnist seemed
called upon to make his own specific analysis of the possibilities of
the visit to Rykeman III. And the opinions were almost uniform that it
would be an approach to Utopia to have the Rykes take over. Hockley was
sickened by this mass conversion to the siren call of the Rykes.

It was a tremendous relief when the day finally came and the huge
transport ship lifted solemnly into space.

Most of the group were in the ship's lounge watching the television port
as the Earth drifted away beneath them. Senator Markham seemed nervous
and almost frightened, Hockley thought, as if something intangible had
escaped him.

"I hope we're not wasting our time," he said. "Not that I don't
understand your position," he added hastily to cover the show of
antagonism he sensed creeping into his voice.

"We appreciate your support," said Hockley, "and we'll do our best to
see the time of the investigation is not w