The Earth was enveloped in atomic fire and the ship was a prize of war. But disaster may make victory mandatory.
and then ran toward the Agronians. Again Emmett followed the pilot's lead. One of the creatures aimed a weapon before George had crossed half the distance and Gloria's shrill scream of warning brought him up short. But before the weapon could be discharged, the other Agronian viciously flung a tentacle and sent it spinning from his companion's clasp.
George leaped at the nearest Agronian but the creature easily eluded him. He made another attempt and failed again.
The man and the alien cautiously surveyed each other.
"They're too fast for us," George admitted. His voice was filled with the bitterness of defeat and his shoulders sagged visibly.
"Do something!" Gloria screamed. "Do something before the others come back!"
Emmett glanced apprehensively at the air lock. She was right. At the moment they outnumbered the enemy, but when the others returned the Agronians could overpower them by sheer weight of number. And they could return without warning, at any instant.<
