at he _had_ to visit the planet that produced
people like her and Kerk.

"Tell me about Pyrrus," he asked. "Why is it that you and Kerk assume
automatically that I will drop dead as soon as I land? What is the
planet like?"

All the warmth was gone from her face now. "I can't tell you. You will
have to see for yourself. I know that much after visiting some of the
other worlds. Pyrrus is like nothing you galaxy people have ever
experienced. You won't really believe it until it is too late. Will you
promise me something?"

"No," he answered. "At least not until after I hear what it is and
decide."

"Don't leave the ship when we land. You _should_ be safe enough aboard,
and I'll be flying a cargo out within a few weeks."

"I'll promise nothing of the sort. I'll leave when I want to leave."
Jason knew there was logic in her words, but his back was up at her
automatic superiority.

Meta finished the jump settings without another word. There was a
tension in the room that prevented them both from talking.

It was the next shipday before he saw her again, then it was completely
by accident. She was in the astrogation dome when he entered, looking up
at the sparkling immensity of the jump sky. For the first time he saw
her off duty, wearing something other than a shipsuit. This was a loose,
soft robe that accentuated her beauty.

She smiled at him. "The stars are so wonderful," she said. "Come look."
Jason came close to her and with an unthinking, almost automatic
movement, put his arm around her. Neither did she resent it, for she
covered his hand with hers. Then they kissed and it was just the way he
knew it would be.

VI.

After that they were together constantly. When Meta was on duty he
brought her meals to the bridge and they talked. Jason learned little
more about her world since, by unspoken agreement, they didn't discuss
it. He talked of the many planets he had visited and the people he had
known. She was an appreciative listener and the time went quickly by.
They enjoyed each other's company and it was a wonderful trip.

Then it ended.

There were fourteen people aboard the ship, yet Jason had never seen
more than two or three at a time. There was a fixed rotation of duties
that they followed in the ship's operation. When not on duty the Pyrrans
minded their own business in an intense and self-sufficient manner. Only
when the ship came out of jump and the PA barked _assembly_ did they all
get