"I'll be perfectly frank. You have about one chance in ten of retaining your sanity. The danger lies in that retrogression once activated in your brain cells. It cannot always be halted."
Saxon's laugh was a croak. "You forget I've still the weapon."
The Moderator said, "It's time that this nonsense stopped. We've allowed you to retain the cylinder in order to observe your reactions. Look around you!"
Saxon spun around.
Materializing like gray wraiths, a dozen figures were taking substance behind him. They were all armed with shining cylinders.
"Drop it!" commanded the Moderator.
Saxon's weapon clanged against the pavement.
Ileth suppressed a scream, swayed, half fainting. Saxon caught her before she fell. The girl recovered, flung her arms about his neck.
"You can't do it!" she stormed at the Elders. "You can't. I love him. I don't care what he is, I love him, I tell you!"