The captain radios the Coast Guard. As he predicted, they laugh at his story about picking up an alien creature.

"No matter," he says to you and Mopo, "we'll be in port in two days — then they can see for themselves!"

The next morning you, Mopo, and the captain are standing on the bridge. Resting his arms on the rail, the captain scans the horizon with his binoculars. "If the weather would lift a bit, we could see Mount Rainier from here," he says.

Suddenly a sailor calls from the afterdeck, "There's a submarine surfacing just off the port quarter... It has... a hammer - and - sickle flag!"

"Russians!" the captain cries. "They intercepted your message to the Coat Guard," says Mopo.

"I think you're right!" The captain, points to the port rail. "They're pulling alongside. They're going to board us" "Don't let them capture Mopo!" you cry.

"Don't worry," says Mopo. "I know what to do. I will go with the Russians."

"Don't go with the Russians," you say.

"I thought you said I can trust human beings," says Mopo.

"But the Russians might try to use you against America," the captain says.

"And, if I am in America, the Russians may think that the Americans will use me against them!"

"But we would only ask you to help in the cause of peace," you say. "That's what they will say, too," says Mopo. "But tell me, do you think I will be for peace?" "I do," you say. The captain nods his agreement.

"If the Russians are more for war," Mopo says, "and America is more for peace, and I am for peace, then it is better for peace that I go with the Russians, because, if I am with you, it will make them very anxious — so anxious that they might start a war. But, if I am with the Russians, I can guide them toward peace.

"By now, the Russian sub is alongside the trawler. Neither you nor the captain can change Mopo's decision to go with them. Soon after-ward, the sub submerges with Mopo aboard, leaving you standing by the rail, staring out at the sea.

You're puzzled at Mopo's decision. It almost seems as if he turned against you. On the other hand, you reflect, Mopo may understand Earth people better than you do.

/ENDING Nº05/