The men hurried from the room.
ow look," Malley said, once they were back in the control room, "there are a few things we haven't tried. How about utilizing psychology?"
"Anything you like," Cercy agreed, "including black magic. What did you have in mind?"
"The way I see it," Malley answered, "the Ambassador is geared to respond, instantaneously, to any threat. He must have an all-or-nothing defensive reflex. I suggest first that we try something that won't trigger that reflex."
"Like what?" Cercy asked.
"Hypnotism. Perhaps we can find out something."
"Sure," Cercy said. "Try it. Try anything."
Cercy, Malley and Darrig gathered around the video screen as an infinitesimal amount of a light hypnotic gas was admitted into the Ambassador's room. At the same time, a bolt of electricity lashed into the chair where the Ambassador was sitting.