The Weapon From Eternity

by Dwight V. Swain

A low mutter rose from the crewmen. The Pervod's eyes wavered.

Jarl said: "Know my pledge, comrades! Not booty, but freedom! If you blast with me, we may all die on Womar. If that doesn't suit you, kill me now, before I meet Karrel!"

The Pervod lieutenant's eyes sought out the crewmen. They shifted, not speaking.

Jarl laughed without mirth. "You see, chitza—? They want blood—mine, or Tas Karrel's!"

The reptilian looked away—past Jarl, to the doorway. His claws were atremble.

Then, visibly, he stiffened.

Jarl spun around.

---

Tas Karrel himself stood framed in the entry. His tiny, round, lidless eyes flamed green murder. "You starbo—!"

Tas Karrel, the mutant. Broad, tall, heavy-bodied. Hairy as a dau, and with a dau's bulging muscles. But his face was the blank, hairless face of the Fantay ... without nose, without cheekbones.