oughtfully across the room. "I never thought of it that
way. Why, I suppose some of their forefathers were worrying about space
travel before this planet was able to support life. And, come to think
of it, I remember one of them making a casual remark about 'just a
period ago,' when he was starting citizen training."

"That's what I mean." Lanko nodded emphatically. "'Just a period.' Only
ten or twelve normal lifetimes for our kind of people. And his
civilization's just as old compared to ours as he is compared to
us--older, even.

"During that period he was so casual about, he was learning--practicing
with his mind, so that the older citizens of the galaxy could make full
contact with him without fear of injuring his mentality. He was learning
concepts that he wouldn't dare even suggest to you or to me. Finally,
after a few more periods, he'll begin to become mature. Do you think we
could pick up all the knowledge and training back of his handling of
technical equipment in a mere ten years of training?"

Banasel reached up, taking the small circlet from his head. He held it
in his hand, looking at it with increased respect.

"You know," he admitted, "I really hadn't thought of it that way. They
taught me to repair these things, among other pieces of equipment, and
most of the construction is actually simple. They taught me a few uses
for it, and I thought I understood it.

"Of course, I knew we were in contact with an advanced culture, and I
knew that most of those guys we treated so casually had something that
took a long time in the getting, but I didn't stop to think of the real
stretch of time and study involved." He leaned back, replacing the
mentacom on his head. "Somehow, they didn't make it apparent."

"Of course they didn't." Lanko spread his hands a little. "One doesn't
deliberately give children a feeling of inferiority."

"Yeah. Will we ever learn?"

"Some. Some day. But we've got a long, lonely road to travel first."
Lanko stood up and adjusted the communicator.

"Right now, though, we'd better keep tabs on Musa. In fact, we'd better
follow him when he leaves here."

* * * * *

The temple of Kondaro, the sea god, had been built at the edge of a
cliff, so that it overlooked the Eastern Sea. The huge, white dome
furnished a landmark for mariners far out at sea, and dominated the
waterfront of Norlar. Atop the dome, a torch provided a beacon to
relieve the blackness