"Yes. It's the only way. Perhaps you can get him drinking. Venza, use all the wiles you possess now."
"No!" gasped Snap. "It's too dangerous!"
Anita was clinging to Venza. "Colonel Halsey, I'm going too."
Halsey stared, then made a swift decision. "Right. That is still better."
I jumped to my feet. "Colonel, I should prefer that one of us men...."
He gripped me by the shoulders. "Gregg Haljan, I take no suggestions from you!" His blazing eyes bored into me. "There isn't a second to lose. Don't you realize this means destruction of our three inhabited planets? I'll sacrifice myself, you, or these girls! Venza, take Anita outside. I'll join you immediately, give you last instructions. Take a portable audiphone with you."
He turned to Snap. "This is the only way. These demons can't be forced. You know that."
The girls were moving toward the door. I met Snap's anguished gaze.
"Gregg, don't let them go!"
"No! No, I won't!"