mmediately what he saw, but he realized the probable
importance of understanding it. He had the plasmoids and their lifeless
human research object transferred to the Devagas ship and settled down
to observe what they did.

Released, the working plasmoid went back immediately to its task. It
completed it. Then Balmordan and, presumably, the plasmoids waited.
Nothing happened.

Finally, Balmordan investigated the dead brain. Installed in it he found
what appeared to be near-microscopic energy receivers of plasmoid
material. There was nothing to indicate what type of energy they were
to--or could--receive.

Devagas scientists, when they happened to be of the hierarchy, always
had enjoyed one great advantage over most of their colleagues in the
Federation. They had no difficulty in obtaining human volunteers to act
as subjects for experimental work. Balmordan appointed three of his
least valuable crew members as volunteers for the plasmoid's
experiments.

The first of the three died almost immediately. The plasmoid, it turned
out, lacked understanding of, among other things, the use and need of
anesthetics. Balmordan accordingly assisted obligingly in the second
operation. He was delighted when it became apparent that his assistance
was being willingly and comprehendingly accepted. This subject did not
die immediately. But he did not regain consciousness after the plasmoid
devices had been installed; and some hours later he did die, in
convulsions.

Number Three was more fortunate. He regained consciousness. He
complained of headaches and, after he had slept, of nightmares. The next
day he went into shock for a period of several hours. When he came out
of it, he reported tremblingly that the big plasmoid was talking to him,
though he could not understand what it said.

There were two more test operations, both successful. In all three
cases, the headaches and nightmares stopped in about a week. The first
subject in the series was beginning to understand the plasmoid.
Balmordan listened to his reports. He had his three surviving volunteers
given very extensive physical and psychological tests. They seemed to be
in fine condition.

Balmordan now had the operation performed on himself. When he woke up,
he disposed of his three predecessors. Then he devoted his full
attention to learning what the plasmoid was trying to say. In about
three weeks it became clear....

The plasmoid had established contact with human bein