“And since we are a race of warriors,” the chief said, “at my command, every fighting man of the planet will move against you. More will come from the hills and from across the rivers.”
Abruptly, the chief drew a knife. It must have been a signal, because every native in the room did the same.
Fannia dragged Donnaught away from the toys. “Look, lummox. These friendly warriors can’t do a damn thing to us. Those knives can’t cut space armor, and I doubt if they have anything better. Don’t let them pile up on you, though. Use the paralyzer first, the needler if they really get thick.”
“Right.” Donnaught whisked out and primed a paralyzer in a single coordinated movement.
With weapons, Donnaught was fast and reliable, which was virtue enough for Fannia to keep him as a partner.
“We’ll cut around this building and grab the fuel. Two cans ought to be enough. Then we’ll beat it fast.”
They walked out the building, follow by the Cascellans. Four carriers lifted the chief, who was barking orders. The narrow street outside was suddenly jammed with armed natives. No one tried to touch them yet, but at least a thousand knives were flashing in the sun.
In front of the cache was solid phalanx of Cascellans. The stood behind a network of ropes that probably marked the boundary between sacred and profane ground.
“Get set for it,” Fannia said, and stepped over the ropes.
Immediately the foremost temple guard raised his knife. Fannia brought up the paralyzer, not firing it yet, still moving forward.