Her high mewing voice said, "They have dared attack Venus Port! If they continue, they will soon be undisputed rulers of my planet. Soon, with such boldness, the Mistmen might even rule the System. Moljar, would you like freedom?"
He shrugged. "Can a half-breed ever be free?"
"On Venus, I have but to speak to make any being free."
"Try telling the Mistmen that," said Moljar boldly. "They'll soon be here."
"I've never, in all the places I have been, seen quite such a magnificent fool as you, Moljar. Anyway, our communications are cut off. If a man could get through to Anghore, bring back a force ... my scientists in Anghore have been perfecting a new vibro-generator as a weapon. Perhaps it is completed now. The Mistmen have never been attacked. They surprise, throw up detectors and shut off communications, and disappear before any reinforcements can arrive."
Moljar's fingers quivered for her slim throat. But his voice seemed calm. "Could one get through their detectors to Anghore?"
"You perhaps could. If you can, Moljar, I'll make you a Guard of Anghore."
Stolid as was the half-breed's neural circuit, the sudden statement momentarily shocked him. It was rumored that Alhone chose certain fighters to go to Anghore. But that he, a contemptible half-breed should be promised a position as Alhone's personal guard....
"Why me?" he was saying.
"In these games I have seen the best fighters of three worlds. But I have never seen anyone fight as you fought tonight."