"What was that?" Julie asked.

"Just somebody knocking at the door," Stan said.

It came again: a heavy booming sound. Stan noted that the aliens had gotten over the top of the force field, scrambling up on each other's shoulders and toppling over. Now they were pounding and tearing at the entry port to the harvester. Stan could hear the metal start to buckle under their blows.

"It's very loud," Julie said dreamily.

"I think our friends are becoming agitated," Stan said. "It won't be long now."

"Is there any more of that royal jelly left?" Julie asked.

"Let me just see.... Yes, my dear, we have another two ampoules. Here, let me uncork that and hold it for you.... That's better, eh?"

"Much better," Julie smiled as Stan swallowed his ampoule.

The radio squawked into life. "Doctor! What in hell is going on! Potter's ship ..."

It was Hoban. Stan said, his voice very low, "It was nice, eh, Captain?"

"What did you say, Doctor?"

"Gill made a satisfactory explosion, didn't he?" Stan said. "Gill did his part very well. How close are you, Captain?"

"Another five minutes."

"I'm afraid I don't have that long," Stan said. "I hope I won't be alive to see the last act. Hoban, it's been a pleasure knowing you. I hope you have no trouble clearing your name on Earth and going on with your brilliant career. Tell them on Earth ..."

"Yes, Doctor?"

"Oh, tell them anything," Stan said, suddenly testy. "Over and out." He shut off the radio, then turned to Julie. "Good-bye, sweetheart."

"See you again soon," Julie said.

They kissed. And they were still kissing when the entry port shattered and the aliens came into the harvester.