"He does not speak our mother tongue, Lactu," volunteered the patrol leader.
The man in white nodded. "How is it," he said in English, "that you are a native-born Venusian and do not speak the language of your planet?"
"I was an orphan. I had very little formal education," said Astro. "And as long as we're asking questions around here, how about my asking a few? Who in space are you? What's the idea of holding me a prisoner?"
"One question at a time, please, brother Venusian," said the man in white. "And when you address me, my name is Lactu."
"Lactu what?" asked Astro belligerently.
"Your own name should tell you that we on Venus only have one name."
"Never mind that rocket wash!" barked Astro. "When do I get out of here?"
"You will never leave here as you came," said Lactu quietly.
"What does that mean?" demanded the cadet.