Nea went back to the lab. Odin and Ato continued their study of the maps. Gunnar was putting a fine edge to his broadsword.
Then the warning buzzer sounded its alarm. Odin dived for the screen and turned on the controls.
A long procession of mauve shadows was approaching. Already inside the barrier, they came single-file and slowly circled The Nebula.
Even in the pale weird light, they certainly seemed to be men.
Ato ordered “Battle-Stations” and sirens sounded all over the ship.
But the circling host made no offer to attack. Odin turned the receiver up to its highest point, and speaking brokenly in the language of the Brons a voice came through.
“Men of the strange ship. Men of the strange ship—”