He was, in fact, as much in the dark as Earth during an eclipse.
THE SHIP OF THINGS TO COME
For 8000 years the Springers have engaged every means, fair or foul, to maintain their trade monopoly in the Galaxy. To them, it is a way of life. All attempts at competition must be ruthlessly resisted.
Ironically, it is this harsh commercial mentality ingrained in the Springers which holds out Perry's only hope: unfortunately the aliens have discovered Terra, true, but being concerned foremost with their own gain, they will automatically refrain from revealing their discovery to other interstellar traders. So at least there will not be swarms of various invaders all seeking a share of the 'business' represented by Terra. Hopefully, confronted only by the Springers, the men of the New Power will be able to withstand their attacks.
A vital link in the repulsion of the Springers is the handful of space cadets stranded light-years from Terra on an inhospitable polar planet. Danger lurks everywhere in the days ahead in an adventure which must be read—
PERIL ON ICE PLANET
by Kurt Mahr