"Exactly why we're taking no chances. We must be sure our rays are strong enough to propel it into the Sun."
"And what then?"
Curt shrugged. "After that it's anybody's guess. Professor Marston believes that such a collision will set up a combustion sufficient to release internal electronic action from the Sun's depths. And, once that is started, the Sun will blaze again."
"I see," Olana exclaimed. "Something like stirring up dying embers!"
"Yes." There was no eagerness in Curt's voice. "No doubt there are forces within the Sun sufficient to last for millennia, if they could only be released. But they must be deep within. I'm afraid nothing we do with Vulcan will be enough."
"Why, you're just a pessimist!"
Curt smiled wanly. "No, just realistic. And very tired! It's been a trying week. Come, we'd better be getting back."
"Wait." Olana stopped him. She was gazing at the blackness beyond the horizon's rim. "Curt, look."
"Meteor?" He followed her gaze. "No! I never saw a meteor like that!"
They saw a patch of light against the reddish sunglow. It wasn't extended light, it seemed to move as a bulk and with such speed as no meteor had ever attained. For half a minute they watched it become smaller—then it disappeared. Curt shook his head in puzzlement.