"I called to warn you," said Biggs expressionlessly, "that you are in gravest peril. I am offering you a chance to surrender peaceably. Will you do so?"
Steichner's answer isn't printable. It was a blunt refusal. Biggs sighed.
"Very well, Governor. Then let me issue this final warning: Do not attempt to lift gravs from your present location! And do not attempt to use your ordnance. To do so will be to court instant and terrible death!"
"Why, you—!" spluttered back Steichner's retort.
But Biggs had turned from the audio, pressed a stud activating the hypoes of our ship. A dull growl surged about us as the powerful motors stirred into action.
I stared at him questioningly.
"What are you trying to do, Lanse? Scare Steichner into surrendering?"
"No, Sparks. I meant every word I said. Look at the lake."
I flashed on the visilens, swung it to cover outside. And what I saw there broke a gasp from my lips.