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"A
fine weapon, isn't it?"
Skara's
observations were on target.
"It's
seems slower than the weapons we save from Colonel O'Neil's camp.
There's more to do before it gets fired. And the bullets are larger than
the ones we use in our guns now."
Draven's
smile curdled. "The guns are of a simpler design because...well,
things are simpler in this world, but they're also easier to repair. If
they don't fire so quickly, they also won't jamb so easily in the
sand."
"And
how do we earn these weapons from you?"
"Ah...we'll
give you the guns to help you take your rightful place here in Negada.
Use them to overthrow the old men that 'old ya and your city down. The
mine can bring you riches. Send the people back to work for us."
Skara
wanted it all crystal clear. "So we can have guns and I can have
riches if only we will overthrow the old fools who rule us?"
Dravan
nodded eagerly.
Skara
pointed at Lockwood. "I have advice for you Mr. Draven. Fire that
man. He's been here for months and he's never discovered that I am the
son of Kashoof, the head old fool."
Draven
aimed a violent glare at the manager. Ballard began desperately
manipulating the bolt on his rifle again.
Skara
snatched up a long pole with what looked like a stylized Lotus flower at
its top. Draven had dismissed this a some sort of torch or decoration.
Swinging the pole like a quarterstaff, the young man knocked the rifle
from Ballard's hands. Then he worked some hidden control and flanges
sprang from the staff's head. Skara aimed and a bolt of energy leaped
from the staff. The rifle stock burned, the metal bolt vanished.
The
young man was every inch the leader as he aimed the blast lance at the
three Earthmen.
"I
don't think we need your simple weapons. Now go! Be out of here before I
show you how this works on flesh!"
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