excited at the prospect of someone going home. In private, Simmonds criticises Koenig for permitting a machine to make this decision. The Commissioner then selfishly proclaims himself to be the obvious choice; he serves no useful purpose on Alpha. Though Koenig would love nothing more than to be rid of the insufferable politician, he insists the choice will be objective. The confrontation is interrupted by the arrival of Zantor. With repairs completed, the alien has come to make his farewells, inquiring who has been selected for the journey. Koenig asks Helena and Bergman for a final verdict on the stasis procedure. Having grasped the basic principles, they declare it safe for human use. The key is the alien computer having a complete matrix of the individual; should someone other than Helena go, one specific matrix for that person must be made. The launch countdown begins, and Koenig orders Kano to have Computer make the final selection. Simmonds has decided his fate will not be decided by Koenig's lottery. After secretly swapping commlocks with the Commander, he slips away unnoticed. Now with unlimited access provided by the command commlock, he obtains a stun-gun and proceeds to the Main Power Unit. Upon discovering the switch, Koenig orders the command commlock cancelled—but not before the conniving politician has shot the sentries and entered the restricted area. Inside, Simmonds stuns all but one operative, then forces the man to remove a key component from the main converter assembly. Power instantly fails throughout the base. When Koenig calls for the Commissioner's surrender, Simmonds announces the converter is his hostage. Unless he is given the vacant berth, Moonbase will freeze over and everyone will die. Koenig has no choice but to concede to Simmonds' demands. With the lives of the entire community at stake, Zantor agrees. The noble Kaldorian becomes Simmonds' new hostage in exchange for the converter. After power is restored, Simmonds and his captive depart, the Kaldorian giving Helena a wistful farewell gaze before being led away at gunpoint. Once aboard the ship, Zantor directs Simmonds to his travel position. The suspicious politician, unaware that a personalised matrix of his body still needs to be compiled, insists the alien captain enter his chamber first. Eyeing the Commissioner's weapon, a silent Zantor does as he is told. With the six travellers in place, the ship blasts off for Earth. A few hours later, Main Mission