uring the next two days, Jacob caught an occasional glimpse of the Weapon drifting thoughtfully around in the depths of the forest, but they did not meet for conversation. Jacob amused himself by rigging a fishing line out of some of the packaging material that contained his food. He even succeeded in catching a fish, but its queer odor discouraged him from trying to cook and eat it.
Then the royal cruiser of Tresqu the Wisest dropped into the meadow. Its airlock swung open and the Ruler of Hova, followed by his entourage, came out.
"Oh, Mighty Weapon!" bawled Tresqu. "Your loving servant craves audience!"
"Ah, you have returned, petty lord," said the Weapon, drifting out from among the trees. "Serve me by calling all the crew members from your noble ship, that I may view you all together."
Puzzled, Tresqu bowed and said, "Your least whim is law, Mighty Weapon." He turned and called, "All hands, outside!"
A half-dozen Hovans tumbled through the lock to stand in line behind the ruler's entourage.
"Is this all of them?" asked the Weapon.
"All, Great Mentor of—"
The Weapon laughed and the Hovans fell dead.