The Talkative Tree Page 3

charge of the body of Chief Slichow at that veryinstant.

  _There are not enough men_, thought Kolin. _Some of me must driftthrough the airlock. In space, I can spread through the air system tothe command group._

  Repairs to the _Peace State_ and the return to Haurtoz passed like weeksto some of the crew but like brief moments in infinity to other units.At last, the ship parted the air above Headquarters City and landed.

  The unit known as Captain Theodor Kessel hesitated before descending theramp. He surveyed the field, the city and the waiting team of inspectingofficers.

  "Could hardly be better, could it?" he chuckled to the companion unitcalled Security Officer Tarth.

  "Hardly, sir. All ready for the liberation of Haurtoz."

  "Reformation of the Planetary State," mused the captain, smilingdreamily as he grasped the handrail. "And then--formation of thePlanetary Mind!"

  END

  [ Transcriber's Note: This e-text was produced from Worlds of If January 1962. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed. ]