"Since we are completely aware that you can, I must take it that you mean you will not."
"No, not that, exactly. But look, he's been a stinker, I know, but it's not in my power to destroy a fellow human being in cold blood."
"Then we shall heat your blood, Jery Delvin," the Martian replied. "We will warm it with the racking anger you shall feel against us, knowing that these human children shall perish if you fail!" A cunning light came into the Martian's eyes. "And not only these children," it said. "But your woman as well!"
"No!" I cried, grabbing hold of Snow in both my arms. "I'll do it, but just leave her alone!"
"She stays here with us until you return successful."
"She does not!" I yelled, shaking. "I can't leave the woman I love with a creep that looks to her like a blob of black sparklers! I—"
With cold horror, I realized that my arms were embracing nothingness. Snow was standing, wide-eyed, ten feet away.
"Jery!" she cried, trying to come toward me. Instead, her steps slid over that shimmering metallic blur, and she remained in place.
"We who live in the heart of Location," said the Martian affably, "have a certain mastery over locale."
"You can't do this," I said unreasonably. Because it was quite obvious it was being done. Inexorably.