“Yes, your lordship,” one of the soldiers said.
In moments the troopers had hauled Grennell away.
Blade noticed Captain Chilon gazing at him, and deliberately focused on the kings. “I apologize if I stepped out of bounds. As a Federation emissary, I should be on my best behavior at all times.”
“You’re forgiven, this once,” King Agesilaus said. “Now about this demonstration of yours. What does it entail?”
“I’d like to show you some of the capabilities of our vehicle,” Blade explained.
“Where is it?”
“Parked outside.”
“Then let’s get this over with.”
The two kings descended the dais, and were promptly surrounded by two dozen Spartans. As they made for the doorway, the crowd parted.
Captain Chilon waited until the royal guard passed, then led the Warriors and his own squad out. He walked alongside the giant, and when they were going through the doorway he spoke in a hushed voice. “I don’t know why you saved me, but I thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“How did you know about Erica and me?”
“I can add two and two.”
“Was it that obvious?”
“Afraid so.”
“Damn,” the officer said. “Well, I’ve only myself to blame for what happens after the secret police finish interrogating Grennell. They’ll arrest me.”
“What about Erica?”
“Helots are rarely punished for having romantic relations with Spartans. Since Spartans are required to be perfect models of self-control and discipline, we’re the ones whom the Ephors punish,” Chilon said. “At most, you’ve bought me some time. I only wish I could see Erica at least once before I’m taken into custody.”
“Perhaps I can help there.”
“How?”
“Leave it to me.”
Rikki-Tikki-Tavi nudged Blade’s left elbow. “When can I address the kings?”
“After we’re done with the demonstration,” Blade answered. “Sorry. As soon as we’ve proven ourselves to them, go ahead.”
They passed along the corridor to the outer door, which had been opened well in advance by the three soldiers assigned to the task, and the two kings led the way down the steps. At the bottom they halted and studied the SEAL.
“What type of demonstration did you have in mind?” King Dercyllidas asked.
Blade surveyed the open area. At the north end construction was under way, and a huge mound of dirt had been piled next to the foundation for a new building. “With your permission, I’d like to show you the firepower of our transport.”
“Be our guest,” Agesilaus said.
“Perhaps you should clear the pedestrians away from that dirt mound,” Blade suggested.
King Agesilaus merely motioned with his right hand and instantly six Spartans hastened off to do his bidding.
“And I’ll need the keys,” Blade told Captain Chilon.
The officer handed them over.
Blade turned to his friends. “Let’s go.” He walked to the van with Rikki and Teucer on his heels.
“What gives?” the bowman queried. “Why are we doing this?”
“The Spartans only respect power. If we give them a taste of the SEAL’s armaments, they might be more inclined to take the Federation’s offer seriously.”
“Convincing Dercyllidas won’t be hard,” Rikki commented, “but the other one is unpredictable. I don’t trust him.”
“Neither do I,” Blade concurred. “We must try to persuade him, though, and this might do the trick.” He unlocked the door, then climbed in and unlocked the passenger side.
“What was going on with Chilon and you?” Teucer asked as he took his seat.
“Chilon and Erica Johnson are in love,” Blade revealed, inserting the key. He started the engine, waited for Rikki to close the door, then backed up and drove to within 20 feet of the dirt mound. The soldiers were moving all citizens from the immediate vicinity.
“What do we do if Agesilaus isn’t impressed?” Teucer questioned.
“We’ll get the hell out of here,” Blade said.
“Good. I don’t relish the notion of being thrown in a prison or forced to work in a quarry.”
Blade watched the last of the pedestrians reach a safe distance from the SEAL. “Here goes,” he declared, and flicked the silver toggle switch that activated the 50-caliber machine guns. Almost immediately the big guns cut loose, thundering in unison, the rounds boring into the mound, dirt flying in all directions. The SEAL vibrated slightly for the duration of the ten-second burst. Blade switched the toggle off.
“Think that’s enough?” Teucer asked.
“No,” Blade responded, and activated the flamethrower. He saw a red and orange hissing tongue spurt from the front fender and strike the dirt with a sizzling crackle. He counted to three, then shut the flamethrower off. There was no sense in wasting the fuel.
“Let’s use the rocket launcher on the Royal Palace,” Teucer suggested.
“That should really impress them.”
Rikki glanced at the bowman. “Have you been hanging around Hickok a lot lately?”
“No. Why?”
“Just asking.”
Grinning, Blade returned the transport to its original position and killed the engine. Both kings, and many of the soldiers, were regarding the van in amazement. Agesilaus, oddly, abruptly smiled slyly and whispered a few words to the Spartan on his left.
“Did you see that?” Rikki asked.
“Yep,” Blade replied.
“See what? See what?” Teucer wanted to know.
“Do you want us to stay in here?” Rikki queried.
“You took the words right out of my mouth. I’m leaving the key in the ignition,” Blade said, opening his door. He looked at both of them. “As soon as I step around the front of the SEAL, all eyes should be on me. Roll up the windows and lock the doors. If everything , is all right, I’ll give the proper signal.”
“Why not simply stay put?” the martial artist mentioned.
“We’ll give our hosts the benefit of the doubt,” Blade stated, and slid to the ground. He whispered his final instructions. “Rikki, you’ve had driving lessons. If we’re right, get the SEAL out of here.”
“We won’t leave you.”
“That was an order.”
“As you wish,” Rikki said, frowning.
Blade slammed the door, plastered a fake smile on his face, and strolled toward the kings.
“An astounding display of firepower!” King Agesilaus exclaimed, and clapped his hands together.
“Evidently the Federation is every bit as strong as you indicated,” King Dercyllidas added. “Spartan might would avail us little against such mechanized dispensers of death.”
“The Federation has no intention of attacking Sparta unless you give us provocation,” Blade said. “We’d rather join hands in friendship and become allies.”
“Sparta can take—” Agesilaus began, then glanced at the transport.
“Why are your companions still inside?” He did a double take. “And why have they just rolled up the windows?”
“They’re making ready to depart.”
“Depart!” Agesilaus practically bellowed “I didn’t give them permission to leave.”
“There’s no need for them to be present during our further talks,” Blade said.
“I want them out of there this second!”
“I’m afraid that’s not possible.”
King Agesilaus took a step forward. “Don’t tell me what is and isn’t possible! You’re addressing a Spartan king, not some miserable cur of a Helot.”
“What different does it make whether they stay in the vehicle or not?”
King Dercyllidas said, interceding.
The thin monarch whirled on his blond peer. “It’s a trick. They’re up to no good.”
“You’re making a mountain out of a molehill,” Dercyllidas said. “Why do you persist on blowing everything out of proportion?”