tly still carrying some sort of electronic or subelectronic
charge which is attuned to the controls of the Sun-tap station. We feel
that you should be along on this expedition. It will be long and
dangerous, it will involve landings on worlds no man has ever visited or
expected to visit for hundreds of years. There is an enemy in the sky
who will certainly try to stop our single ship. To be bluntly honest,
the voyagers on this ship face such dangers as explorers have not faced
since the days of Magellan and Cook. Its chances of return are probably
remote. But with the permission of your father, which he has already
given, I would like to ask that you volunteer to join its crew."

Burl felt dizzy, his heart thumping painfully within his chest. He took
a deep breath, and then carefully, trying to keep his voice from
quivering, he said, "Yes, I'll go."

Chapter 4. _The Hidden Skyport_

Around the table there was a concerted sigh. Burl, his ears still
throbbing from his sudden excitement, realized each of them had been
holding his breath. General Shrove smiled and glanced at the elder
Denning, who sat expressionless. It is not an easy thing for him, Burl
thought.

At that moment, Burl knew that he had come of age. This moment of
decision, coming truly and literally like a bolt out of the blue, had
thrust him into man's estate before his time. He would show that he was
able to carry this burden.

Shrove now spoke to Lockhart. "Colonel, we are holding you to your
schedule. According to it, you can take off in five more days. Will you
need any more time because of this addition to your crew?"

The stocky air veteran shook his head. "Not at all. We'll be loaded and
ready on the hour I set. I'll take Denning in hand and brief him on what
he may need to know. Actually, we may even be able to get him a
home-leave. After all, his duties won't begin until actual planetfalls
are made."

They rose from their seats. Burl stood up, uncertain as to procedure,
but Lockhart came over to him and took his arm. "Burl, we're going to
have to give you a rundown on the ship and the plans. We've no time to
waste if you want to get a chance to say good-by to your folks later
on."

"I understand," said Burl. He turned and waved to his father, who was in
conversation with the general. "I'll see you at home in a few days,
Dad," he called, then followed Lockhart out.

Outside the building they were joined by several other members of