*

But McKee and Talbott had not been killed. Nor had Mike beaten them to
the ship. He had preceded Nicko up the ramp and as he came to the
hatch, the lights of the ship flashed on and Talbott stepped forth
holding a Terran pistol. Beyond him, inside, stood McKee and the
Princess Katal'halee.

"I told you all we had to do was wait here--that they would show up,"
Talbott said.

McKee pushed forward, a somewhat mystified expression on his face.
"Sure, but I still can't figure how you convinced this Katal babe
they're responsible for the uprising."

Talbott's smile was one of grim satisfaction. "I have persuasive
ways," he said. "I'll back them down the ramp and she can pronounce
sentence and I'll execute them."

"Why stall?" McKee asked. "Kill all five of them and let's get out of
here. About time we started thinking of our own skins."

"I'm taking the Princess with us, you idiot!"

"You're the idiot!" McKee snapped. "Not letting well enough alone!"

* * * * *

The proud Ptomenite Princess pushed forward, her cold eyes on Mike and
he realized of course, why the two Terran schemers could talk so
freely. Katal'halee could not understand a word they said.

Talbott motioned with the gun and Mike backed slowly down the ramp. He
was still holding Professor Brandon in his arms, the old man's eyes
blank and uncomprehending.

"That'll do," Talbott said. He stepped aside and the Princess pointed
a contemptuous finger at the group. She spoke sharply and Mike looked
swiftly at Nicko.

"It's a death sentence," Nicko said. "She's accusing us of everything
but stopping up the royal sink."

The Princess now stepped aside and motioned imperiously to Talbott. He
raised his gun.

But a new voice barked sharply. A fine needle of crystalline ray shot
out of the darkness and melted the gun in Talbott's hand. Talbott
jerked his seared member back with a squall of pain.

Mertaan stepped into the circle of light. He looked at Mike. "I had
reason to follow you," he said and Nicko quickly interpreted.

"But it can wait a few moments." He turned to the Princess Katal'halee
and a hatred built up over generations flashed between them. Yet,
their eyes seemed also to mirror a mutual respect. Mertaan said, "You
are wrong about your betrayers. It was these two who made the
arrangements--contacted our allies within your city. The tall one is
very good at getting his points over with gestures and pic