Emerging, I strode toward the wreck. A man saw my cape and helmet of authority. "Attention!" he called, and they stiffened respectfully.
"How close is the point of contact with the enemy?" I demanded with official brusqueness.
One pointed the way. "Not far, sir. We're the last message-relay station. Everything's in order, and—"
"Thanks," I said, and beckoned Doriza. We walked past. I wondered what I could have done if these men had paused to think I might be the culprit for whom Gederr was clamoring.
Up ahead was a cross-tunnel, and beyond that a fork. We heard men talking and moving in the distance. Doriza pointed to an inscribed door.
"The way to the works below. I've seen it on the televiso. The mined floor of the main chamber has a second cavern below."
I scowled. "As I remember, Gederr said he had blocked all advance tunnels of the Newcomers, except at one spot. What kind of explosives will he use?"
"Glare-rays," said Doriza. "You wouldn't know, Barak, the Newcomers haven't any such. It's a special vibration-speed that sets atoms at a pitch ready to fly violently apart. Anything it involves can be exploded at the first touch of fire."
"Anything?" I repeated. "Weapons, men, earth? Doriza, can you operate such a ray?"
"I think I can."