"Nevertheless," said Dr. Kang, "it is written: 'The wise man treads the unknown path with drawn sword'. It would be well for us to approach the Jovians as cautiously as they await our coming. Therefore, while you go out I shall remain within the ship, watching carefully. At the first sign of hostile movement I shall depress the force-shield button, surrounding you and the Liberty, with an impenetrable field. Good luck, my friends."
"And since," added Dr. Anjers, "it would not look well for the crew to remain aboard, if we are to give an appearance of frankness and amity, I shall go to the engine room and there keep the hypos running for immediate departure ... if such should be necessary."
Thus it was arranged. And so, a few minutes later, young Dr. Lane headed a company numbering a score which clambered from the Liberty's airlock to the surface of the planet Jupiter.
The space sailors and blasters, grateful for an opportunity to stretch their legs, came happily from the ship. But none, not even the skipper Hugh Warren himself, wore sidearms, so desirous was Gary of proving to the Jovians his good will. With calm assurance the venturers moved toward the azure-fleshed assembly awaiting them, taking care, however, not to step beyond that imaginary line which Dr. Kang had said was the limit of the force-shield protection.
Gary raised both arms aloft in the universal token of greeting.
"Peace, men of Jupiter!" he cried. "We come from Earth in friendship and goodwill on a mission of vital importance, and we beg an audience with your leaders."
He could not have dreamed what was to happen next. It happened too swiftly and too suddenly for any comprehension. The leader of the Jovians, a member (if one could judge by the elaborateness of his trappings) of the Supreme Council, flung high his arm in a sign which was anything but friendly. His voice rasped forth in strident command.
"It is they! The Earthling traitors who would steal the fruits of our knowledge and destroy our noble culture. Seize them and hold them fast!"
In that instant the waiting throng coalesced into an angry mob, and as one man surged violently forward to seize their earthly visitors!