rget what he said, and I did."

That speech seemed to release him still further from the awful tension
that had held him for so many years. He was weary but happy. "He didn't
tell me much in detail, as nearly as I can remember. Merely that plans
were being made to gain control first of this planet, then the
Federation, and after that the whole Galaxy."

"Did he say who was with him in this outrageous undertaking?" Hawarden
gasped, and Hanlon added, "We mean, was he alone in it, or was some
other planet or system backing him?"

The emperor thought steadily for some time, then shook his head. "I
don't seem to remember," he sighed sadly. Nor could he, after half an
hour's more concentration. "I am sorry I cannot give you that
information, gentlemen. But you will soon, we trust, have reason to
believe that we are once more desirous of doing everything possible for
the peace and well-being of the Federation."

There were tears in Admiral Hawarden's eyes and he impulsively stepped
forward and grasped the emperor's hand.

"Welcome back, Sire," he said sincerely.

Back at Base, there were messages awaiting, that had come in while they
were gone. The admiral handed one of them to Hanlon. It was terse, but
brought a happy smile to his face.

_"Coming immediately, with full crew. Congratulations. NEWTON."_

* * * * *

Others were from Grand Fleet, regarding the measures being taken for the
fleet rendezvous, and the part the Simonidean sector was to play.
Another was from the planetographers, giving the spatial location of
Algon, with the note that they had finally found it on a star map, and
that a survey ship was being sent there at once.

Hanlon punched a stud. "Stay away from Algon," he rapped out when the
scientist's face appeared on the screen. "Don't send that ship until you
get permission. Just forget all about even having heard of Algon!"

The elder looked questioningly at the youthful civilian giving him such
orders. "I don't know ..."

"Hawarden speaking," the admiral pushed Hanlon aside and glared into the
screen. "That's an order! Forget it, as you were told!"

"Yes, sir. It's forgotten."

Hanlon turned wearily to the admiral. "I'm minus on sleep and strength
right now, sir. Think I'll go get some rest. In the morning I'll come
back and we'll start searching Bohr's stuff."

"Right, I could use some caulking-off myself. A couple more orders, then
I'm going home. Do you wa