Part 4 (1/2)

I saw the room's escape-port swing open as Meka and the hooded shape carrying the box moved for it. The moonlit darkness of the outer catwalk enveloped the disappearing figures.

Molo was left alone. He closed the port swiftly. His detector now was in his hand, but Halsey antic.i.p.ated him by a second or two. Our listener went dead; our mirror darkened. Doubtless Molo was never sure whether he had been spied on or not.

Halsey was on his feet. ”Foley, get out into the main room. Stay with him.”

But there was no need to follow Molo. He had sent his visitor and sister out by the escape-port, which was usual enough; now he was back in the main room as though nothing of importance had happened, with an appearance of intoxication about him. He wavered jovially across the room, threading his way through the gay diners, and reached the table where his party still sat carousing.

Again Halsey shut us off.

”He's got a base somewhere in the city; you heard what they said about it. We've got to trick him into going there, unsuspecting.”

Halsey seized the audiphone. ”Your chance, Venza. It's the only way.

Foley, keep away from that Martian. Shut off all contacts. I'll meet you out there in a moment. I'm sending a girl; she'll go after him.”

”Now?” Venza asked.

”Yes. It's the only way. Perhaps you can get him drinking. Venza, use all the wiles you possess now.”

”No!” gasped Snap. ”It's too dangerous!”

Anita was clinging to Venza. ”Colonel Halsey, I'm going too.”

Halsey stared, then made a swift decision. ”Right. That is still better.”

I jumped to my feet. ”Colonel, I should prefer that one of us men....”

He gripped me by the shoulders. ”Gregg Haljan, I take no suggestions from you!” His blazing eyes bored into me. ”There isn't a second to lose. Don't you realize this means destruction of our three inhabited planets? I'll sacrifice myself, you, or these girls! Venza, take Anita outside. I'll join you immediately, give you last instructions. Take a portable audiphone with you.”

He turned to Snap. ”This is the only way. These demons can't be forced. You know that.”

The girls were moving toward the door. I met Snap's anguished gaze.

”Gregg, don't let them go!”

”No! No, I won't!”

I made a lunge past Halsey, with Snap after me. Halsey did not move, but one of his rays struck us. With all senses numbed, I felt myself falling.

”Gregg--don't--let them....”

Snap had tumbled upon me. My senses did not quite fade. I was aware of Anita's and Venza's horrified cries, but Halsey pushed them toward the door. It slid up. I vaguely saw the two girls going out with Halsey after them; and the door coming down.

3

I have no idea how long it was before Halsey came back. Snap and I were seated on a low metal bench against the wall. The effect of the paralysing ray was wearing off. We were tingling all over, our senses still confused.

Halsey stalked in upon us. ”So you are recovered?”

Snap stammered, ”We--I say, we're sorry as h.e.l.l we acted like that.”