red unhappiness in his twisted body.

"It's not over yet," Brion said. "There is more than a day left,
and I think I'm onto something that might stop the war--without
any bombs being dropped."

"You're in charge of the Cultural Relationships Free Bread and
Blankets Foundation, aren't you? What good can your bunch do when
the shooting starts?"

"None. But maybe we can put off the shooting. If you are trying to
insult me--don't bother. My irritation quotient is very high."

The driver merely grunted at this, slowing down as they ran through
a field of broken rock. "What is it you want?" he asked.

"We want to make a detailed examination of one of the magter. Alive
or dead, it doesn't make any difference. You wouldn't happen to have
one around?"

"No. We've fought with them often enough, but always on their home
grounds. They keep all their casualties, and a good number of ours.
What good will it do you anyway? A dead one won't tell you where the
bombs or the jump-space projector is."

"I don't see why I should explain that to you--unless you are in
charge. You are Hys, aren't you?"

The driver gave an angry sound, and then was silent while he drove.
Finally he asked, "What makes you think that?"

"Call it a hunch. You don't act very much like a sand-car driver,
for one thing. Of course your army may be all generals and no
privates--but I doubt it. I also know that time has almost run out
for all of us. This is a long ride and it would be a complete waste
of time if you just sat out in the desert and waited for me. By
driving me yourself you could make your mind up before we arrived.
Could have a decision ready as to whether you are going to help me
or not. Are you?"

"Yes--I'm Hys. But you still haven't answered my question. What do
you want the body for?"

"We're going to cut it open and take a good long look. I don't think
the magter are human. They are something living among men and
disguised as men--but still not human."

"Secret aliens?" Hys exploded the words in a mixture of surprise
and disgust.

"Perhaps. The examination will tell us that."

"You're either stupid or incompetent," Hys said bitterly. "The heat
of Dis has cooked your brains in your head. I'll be no part of this
kind of absurd plan."

"You must," Brion said, surprised at his own calmness. He could
sense the other man's interest hidden behind his insulting manner.
"I don't even have to give you my reasons. In another day this world