confined and could roam all over the planet without being questioned.”

“That’s crazy,” Lors told him. “I couldn’t take Danson’s place for the rest of my life. He was gambling on a hell of a lot.”

Narvi grunted. “You’re a good spacer, Lors. You follow orders, even when they’re dictated by a madman. When you left the ship, you were Danson. You were processed so beautifully that no one could tell the difference. When you cracked up, a blow on the head, or something, must have created a temporary amnesia and you thought you were Danson. We certainly had a time locating you. Anyhow, you’re to go back to the ship as soon as you can. The new commander wants to talk with you.” Narvi grinned slyly. “I imagine you’ll want to talk to him too. It’s Zark, our old friend from Thista.”

“Zark. Yes. I remember him.” Lors stood up [p102]  and paced the room in thought. He remembered grey haired, friendly Zark, but more than that, he remembered Commander Zark’s beautiful, blond daughter, Jela. “I remember a lot now, Narvi. It’s too bad they didn’t send him sooner. Things wouldn’t be so messed up.”

[p102]  

[p

]  

“It’s not so bad.”

“No?”

“No. You’ll probably be going back to the home planet now.”

“I can’t go back,” Lors mused. “I have to stay and see this through. It’s personal, now.”

“Personal?” Narvi was clearly puzzled. “What can be personal about a Spacer and an alien race?”

He looked at his friend levelly. “I can’t leave this planet, Narvi, because of Beth Danson. I’m in love with her.”

“Love!” Narvi exploded.

[p105]CHAPTER TWELVE

[p105]

[p

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