"But what are you afraid of, Jon?"
He didn't answer because the alien thoughts intruded on his mind again.
"This is a warning, Jon Saxon. Do not divulge the stellar drive to anyone. It is not and never was intended for you to know. Only the unfortunate development of a telepathic sense enabled you to steal it from Villainowski's brain...."
"I didn't steal it!" Saxon thought indignantly. "I worked with Villainowski building the ship. It would have been impossible for me not to learn it."
"Exactly," came the reply. "And your continued existence hinges entirely on your silence."
A chill wind blew up Saxon's spine, but it only fanned the flame of eagerness which had sprung up in him. Here were others like himself, possessed of telepathic powers.
"Who are you?" he thought passionately.
He realized in dismay that the prickling in skin and scalp had diminished. The telepaths were withdrawing, deserting him without a hint of further contact.
"Who are you? How can I find you?"
Nothing!