Rusty met the gaze. "Put away the gun," he said. Rusty was experiencing a new sensation. He could kill this green thing without a twinge of conscience.
"Put up the gun," said Spike.
"Ah, so you're with him, too! I'll get you both." The pistol veered to Spike.
Rusty saw the bulk of Lothar squeeze the door behind the Venusian.
"Lothar is behind you, Fish," said Spike calmly.
The little green man slithered into a corner beside the door.
The Vulcanian stood there dumbly.
"Lothar," said Fish silkily, "these Earthians have turned against us—will sell us to the Patrol—send us back to Pluto. The red-haired one was a spy since the first!"
The huge Vulcanian stood silently, looking at Spike. His tremendous arms dangled at his sides.
"Don't believe him, Lothar," said Spike.