She tripped keys at the console. Light quivered in painful vibrations. His figure became transparent, then dissolved....
Absent-mindedly, Teucrete climbed into the suit of protective armor. Ferris helped her zip up the clumsy garments, then clasped her arm impulsively.
"I haven't the skill to say it properly—but thanks."
"I'll expect your skill to improve with experience," she said irritably, fixing the blaster gun securely in its spring clip.
Returning to the console, Teucrete worked out an elaborate composition on the keys. Tubes flared and flickered, flamed and faded. There was the humming and the bell-toned clamor like glass raindrops spattering on a ceramic floor.
"We have arrived," she whispered. It was then Pao Chung acted.
Quick as a striking snake, he moved close beside the girl and snatched the blaster from its clip.
Backing away, he waved the weapon in wide sweeps to menace both Ferris and Angel at once.
Teucrete turned and cried out. Angel froze like a statue. Ferris started a rush, then thought better of it.