"Shar Bytu," he intoned sonorously, "I ask the right of test for us of the planet Moratoyo. We would seek to cast a shower of atoms at the flames. We have made recent improvements over our former weapon—"
Shar Bytu nodded, and his clawed hand brought an ebony mallet upon the rosewood pulpit where he stood.
"So granted. Session adjourned. The guests of Neeoorna will meet at the proving grounds."
In silence the scientists filed from their seats. Jonathan caught sight of Adatha Za among the Zarathzan delegates, and ran to her. Her hand nestled warmly in his. She flashed her dark eyes at him and smiled.
"I'm more out of place here than an Atheist in church," he said. "Stick to me. I still have to get my bearings."
Her fingers tensed on his, squeezing. He heard her whispered, "I will."
The proving grounds lay semi-circular behind a great green spread of lawn. At the north end of the vast field an arc of white marble terraces lifted rosy columns to the sky. Below the pillars stretched marble benches, now rapidly filling with emissaries.
The Moratoyons marched to a gleaming gun set in concrete in the center of the dusty field behind the lawn. The gun shone a queer white, with two red domes surmounting its breech, and fitted on either side with knobs and levers. It quivered and gleamed in the heat haze that shifted over the proving sands.
Jonathan felt Adatha Za press against him with thigh and shoulder. She choked a whisper to his ears, "It is their atom-gun. It cannot be compared with some others we have seen, but if they've improved it—" her voice broke with a soundless sob. "We hope it may work. But we are—afraid."
Jonathan could almost feel the anxiety and hope around him like a living thing. From the somewhat transparent thought beings of Sallarsee to the robotmen of Kankang, each sat watchful; grim, intent. Those who had lips tensed them to thin lines. Those who had eyes narrowed them expectantly. The others floated or stood, quiescent.