The Jovians started to surge through the narrow door.
Cosmo drew a bead on Bemmelman's thick neck, smiled grimly.
Blood drained out of the planter's face. "Get out!" he cried in panic.
The rescuers halted, stared stupidly. The ones in the rear continued to push forward causing momentary confusion.
"Get out!" Bemmelman raged. "Get out, you fools! D'you want to get me killed? Clear the tower!"
They began to withdraw sullenly.
Cosmo stepped after them, slid shut the panel. He could hear their footsteps retreating down the stair. He let his breath escape through his teeth.
"Keep your eye on the Blue Venus, Mia. She's a shifty wench."
Mia seized a candlestick from a dainty Martian table, said, "This isn't going to hurt me half as bad as it will you," to Sofi.
Cosmo dug the dart gun into Bemmelman's kidneys. "Let's go up to the telecast room." He pushed the planter ahead of him through the door.