Astounding Stories of Super-Science, August 1930

"And then--?" repeated Sarka the Elder. "Then, Dalis has already been inspired by the speed with which those aircars travel! You will remember that he did not take kindly to leaving the Earth and making his abode on some other planet! But why could he not do so, combine forces and knowledge with the people of that planet--and then return to Earth in alliance with them?--after we have depleted our forces by placing a large portion of our people on Mars and Venus and Saturn?" "Sarka, my son," said Sarka's father, "before we continue with our flight to Mars, we must know the truth! We must somehow learn exactly what is going on on the Moon! If you could reach the Moon, alone, undetected, and bring back a report...." For a moment he left it there, and the faces of all three were gray with worry and abysmal fear. "I can't go bodily, father," said Sarka at last, "but you remember my secret exit dome, to the right of the observatory, from which I have never yet dared exit from this place for fear that it might cost me my life?" Sarka the Elder nodded, while Jaska looked puzzled. Another evidence of the fact that Sarka had not always trusted her, for she knew nothing of a secret exit dome. Sarka's eyes, as he looked at Jaska, mutely asked her forgiveness, which she gave him with her smile. "I remember, son, and now?..." "Surely it is worth risking one's life to know what new menace looms over the children of men!"