Then the door to the sphere swung wide. Grimm stepped out, smiling widely. He waved a greeting.
Ro called to Na and Carlson and stepped into the clearing.
Grimm advanced a few steps, still smiling. Then his expression changed to one of fearful surprise. His eyes were fixed on a spot to Ro's right.
Ro followed his glance. He saw three rat men standing some thirty feet away.
They were half hidden by foliage, but Ro could see that one carried a ray gun. He was sighting along the barrel, aiming at Grimm.
Ro drew back the stone in his hand. He knew in that instant, his throw would be too late.
Grimm threw up his arms instinctively to ward off the burning death he expected.
But the rat man never fired. A lance of flame seared past Ro from behind him. The rat man holding the gun screamed in pain as the charge burned into his chest. He fell forward.
Ro released the rock in his hand, but it went wild. The remaining rat men fled.
Ro turned to find Carlson holding a smoking gun.