borigines' land grudgingly
set apart for reservations?

Of course, Grim Hagen was a Bron--one of the worst of them. But Brons
and men had lived so close together for so long that there was little
difference between them. Odin knew some men who, given the ship and
the weapons, would have done as Grim Hagen had done. And would have
arrogantly demanded a medal, besides.

Oh, well, there was no sense in staying in the doldrums forever. Out
there, time was on the side of the stars. If a demon of discord stole in,
time could wait--

They readied themselves for combat. Ato's instruments were probing space
for a sign of the Old Ship. The ancient weapons and some new ones were
now in place. Each man took his turn at practice.

But Gunnar, although he was put in charge of one of the needle-nosed guns,
took the service lightly. In his spare time he busied himself with his and
Odin's swords.

"Grim Hagen has all of these. We have defenses for such weapons. So has
Grim Hagen. The total of all such endeavor will be zero. And then, when the
chips are down, it will be the old swords and the knives and the strong
arms. Wait and see--"

However, Odin soon learned that there was one new weapon aboard ship. At
the request of Nea, Ato called a meeting of his ten captains.

The girl was dressed neatly in a white skirt and blouse. She wore a red
ribbon in her hair. Odin had not known her to take any interest in clothes.
Ordinarily she was the poorest dressed woman on the ship.

Now, she produced her invention with a proud toss of black curls and a
flush of excitement on her pale face.

"My father's work is finished," she told them proudly. "The Scientist back
there within the moon gave me the last idea. But, all in all, it is my
father's invention. Had he lived, he would have perfected it. Just as I
have done." Her eyes flashed. "Yes, some who are within this room thought
that he wasted his time away. He washed beakers in the labs because some of
you said that he produced nothing--"

Ato's face was thin. "Nea, the past is behind us. Why carry your resentment
with you? Your father died a hero's death. We have honored him."

Again Nea's dark eyes flashed. "Oh, once he was dead you thought very well
of him. And as for resentment, isn't this whole trip being made because you
resent Grim Hagen--"

Ato's face was growing darker. "You signed the ship's articles, Nea. We go
to rescue our friends and loved ones. We go as a police force t