And nothing happened.
The gun's charge was gone!
"Hey!" At the sound of the click, the second guard snapped his head up and went for his gun.
Conroy hurled the useless stunner straight between the bars of the cell. The butt of the gun struck the guard between the eyes, and he dropped to the floor on top of his companion.
Acting quickly, Conroy threw open the door of the cell and scooped up the ray pistols of the two guards. Then, shoving them both within the cell, he locked them in with the vibro-key. He smiled. So far, so good. He turned to run back toward the Exec's office.
There was no one there. He eased the outer door, gun in hand. Everything looked normal enough, in the outer office. Hiding the ray pistol in his tunic, he strode boldly out.
The blonde at the desk said: "Why, yes, sir. The Captain and the other main officers left here several minutes ago."