*

They were home again, and Ela hurried off to add nutrients to the huge
crystal sculpture that was growing in the bedroom. It glowed and
vibrated in every color of the spectrum, and strange textures developed
at those edges where Ela hovered with a glass dropper and her chemicals,
touching, wiping, smoothing....

"Oh, it nearly got away from me over here. I _must_ get these reds to
balance, or the whole thing will never refract properly at all. Did you
know, Seth--they want to erect it in Central Plaza when I'm finished!
Isn't that wonderful?" Her pleased face sparkled as she worked.

Sethos sat on the bed, folding his hands in his lap. Still stunned by
Paton's reaction, he gazed absently at the floor.

"Ela, I met a man tonight. He is a very important man."

"Yes, there were _so_ many dolls there. I only wish I had met Andian
again. He'd be so jealous if he knew I was acclaimed for exhibition in
the Plaza."

"I don't mean at the party."

Ela turned. "Really, dear? Where was he?"

"In the office of Mr. First. He wanted to talk to me."

"You went outside zone? Whatever for?"

Sethos rose and took her shoulders firmly in his hands.

"This man is from another planet, Ela. He told me that people live all
over the universe!"

"You don't say!"

"They left the earth a long time ago. They've traveled between the stars
for centuries and centuries!"

"That's wonderful, dear. Help me with this pot of dye, will you, Seth?"

Sethos drew back, unbelieving.

"Ela.... The stars are trillions of miles apart. Men have learned to fly
between them somehow!"

"It's breathtaking. The dye?"

"Quintillions, some of them! Think of it, Ela!" Sethos was shaking with
agitation.

"Dearest," said Ela, moving away from him, "do you think we might move
closer to Center after my Plaza crystal is finished? I'd like to be able
to look out and see it every morning in the sun...."

She wasn't listening! _She didn't care!_

"Ela. Ela, love--listen to me! What's wrong with you? Can't you _see_?"
His voice shrank to a whisper.

She smiled tolerantly. "Of course, dear."

"I'm telling you something no one has dreamed of before and you fuss
about your crystals! Don't you ever get sick of this little cage? Don't
you ever feel like getting out and running away?"

"Cage?"

"I'm telling you the earth can be ours! People can live like mechanoids
if they'll only wake up and stop their childish play!"

"But why, dear?"

"_W