"Of course," said Mr. Third. "Sethos, there is a vehicle in the hall. Will you return home until you wish to contact us about therapy? You have clearance to come in directly when you decide."
"Yes—yes, certainly."
In his shock he was barely conscious of an autocar hurtling through the dark streets, the familiar trees of West Park looming above him. Then, once more he saw the lights at Matya's, heard the noise and laughter.
Stepping from the autocar, Sethos felt the night breeze on his face. He looked upward at the sky, saw the stars like fierce eyes that had been watching all along. The revelation was too much to take, he thought. Suddenly Earth itself, so vastly greater than the small reservation of men, and short hours ago a veritable infinity, seemed tiny and insignificant.
"Why, Sethos! Where have you been?"
It was Paton's voice. The old man stood alone on the path.
"Paton, you couldn't guess what has happened. It's incredible!"
"Come up and get a drink, boy. You look exhausted. I was alarmed when I found you'd left."
Sethos took his arm and faced him squarely.
"Paton—I left the zone, and was taken to Mr. First's office. And do you know who I met? I met a man from the stars! Think of it! A man from other worlds, Paton. Do you realize that human beings have already traveled those fantastic distances, long ago? They must have forgotten about us on Earth!"