"Then we're the sixth."
"Right."
"Any of them driving toward the cruiser itself?"
"No, their guiding mechanisms must be set for small-sized craft. They'll track every one of us down."
"A torpedo is heading directly for us now," reported Ronaro.
"At least one boat must get through to carry our message," stated Ekrado flatly.
"What do you propose—a sacrifice?"
"Set the heat ray projector for a narrow fan beam and slice the nearest lifeboat into two parts," ordered the Captain.
Ronaro's tentacles fairly boiled the water as he made the necessary adjustments. A thousand miles behind them, the closest lifeboat from their stricken vessel glowed briefly around its equator and fell apart into two halves that gradually spread apart.
"Two hundred years ago, in the Second Gruon War, I saw my best friend die in just such a sacrifice," grated Ekrado. "I did not like it then and I do not like it now. It was not an easy order to give."