It had sensed him, Knight thought. It knows how I hate It, And—his heart was filled with a bright blaze of hope—It fears me!
Mallory's atomic pistol was out, but Knight was reckless. He leapt forward. Come into my mind, Thing! I know you. I can fight you now. I have no weapon, no answer to your strength, but you are afraid of me!
Somehow, Knight dodged the flashing bolt, touched Mallory's arm. It accepted the challenge and came to him. But the pain was sufferable. He could stand the pain! His mind was exultant. It called orders to Kent Knight and Knight answered.
"Mallory," he cried, even as a part of his mind battled against It. "You must turn the ship, head it away from Earth. We're carrying a cargo of death!"
Mallory's handsome face was puzzled. A sort of apathy was mixed with it.
"Move, damn you!" Knight snapped. "Fire in the aft bow rockets, kick this ship around. Signal! Signal!"
The pain of It didn't seem to increase, and its control of his will wasn't growing stronger. So much pain, he thought happily, has vaccinated me against It.
Oh, please, let there be time! Mallory turned slowly toward the control board. He was shaking his head dazedly.
"Don't shout so," Mallory said finally, almost petulantly. "I have a terrific headache." He beat at his forehead with the back of a clenched fist.
The puzzled look was fading from his face. He turned suddenly to stare at Knight. "What's the matter with you, Kent? Are you going to throw another fit?"