"Barry," she began, her voice strained. "You—?"
The door opened again and three men crowded into the room. One was Robson Hind. The electronics expert's face went gray as he saw his supposed victim still alive. Barry itched to get at him but for the moment too much was at stake to permit personal revenge.
"Rig the shock charges at once," he suggested. "Xintel and I will do our best to head off the attack under water."
There were objections. Some considered it too dangerous. A heated argument broke out, but at last the council of captains nodded agreement. A sublethal current was to be used, but it was to be backstopped by mortars, machine guns and flame throwers. Any creature showing its head above water was to be blasted on sight.
"I'll attend to the power supply," Hind suddenly volunteered.
Barry guessed what was really in his mind. From Hind's unbalanced, paranoid viewpoint it was essential he be removed to forestall an investigation. He turned to the spaceship captains.
"I most strongly urge that someone other than Robson Hind take charge of the work."
"Why?" Captain Reno snapped.
"My reasons are valid, believe me. I'll explain later."
"The man's crazy!" Hind spluttered.