"You're the fool!" Eric said. He laughed as he leaped forward.
Abbot's eyes went wide suddenly; he tried to dodge, gave a little grunt, and went limp in Eric's grasp.
Eric laughed again, swung Abbot into the ship and leaped in himself. The old race and its violence had never been nearer.
He slammed the door shut, bolted it, and turned back to where the councilman was struggling to his feet.
"Now will you let us go?" Eric said softly. "Or must we take off now, with you—for the stars?"
For a long moment Abbot looked at him, and then his lips trembled and his whole body went slack in defeat.
"The ship is yours," he whispered. "Just let me go."
Outside the ship, Walden chuckled wryly.
The Vacuum Suit was strange against Eric's body, as strange as the straps that bound him to the couch. He looked over at Lisa and she too was unrecognizable, a great bloated slug tied down beside him. Only her face, frightened behind the helmet, looked human.