As they drove down, one of the Connies
stepped a little distance away from the others, probably to get a better
look at Santos. The Connie sensed something and turned, just as Rip and
Dowst flashed downward on his two mates.
Rip's boots caught one Connie where his bubble joined his suit, and the
impact drove the man downward to the unyielding surface of the asteroid
with a soundless smash. Rip threw up his arms to cushion his helmet as he
struck the ground beyond his enemy. He threw the air bottles away. He
fought to keep his feet under him and almost succeeded, but his knees hit
the ground, and pistol and knife bit into them painfully.
Two figures came into his view, locked tightly together, arms flailing.
It was Dowst and the second Connie. He got to his feet and was moving to
the Planeteer's aid when Santos' voice shrilled in his helmet. "Sir! Look
left!"
Rip whirled. The Connie who had stepped aside was advancing, pistol in
hand. His light caught Rip full in the face.
The young officer thought quickly. The Connie hadn't fired. Why? Suddenly
he had it. The man hadn't fired for fear of hitting his friend, who was
battling with Dowst. Rip was in front of them. Quickly he dropped to one
knee, reaching for his own pistol.
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