They readied themselves for combat. Ato's instruments were probing space for a sign of the Old Ship. The ancient weapons and some new ones were now in place. Each man took his turn at practice. But Gunnar, although he was put in charge of one of the needle-nosed guns, took the service lightly. In his spare time he busied himself with his and Odin's swords. "Grim Hagen has all of these. We have defenses for such weapons. So has Grim Hagen. The total of all such endeavor will be zero. And then, when the chips are down, it will be the old swords and the knives and the strong arms. Wait and see--" However, Odin soon learned that there was one new weapon aboard ship. At the request of Nea, Ato called a meeting of his ten captains. The girl was dressed neatly in a white skirt and blouse. She wore a red ribbon in her hair. Odin had not known her to take any interest in clothes. Ordinarily she was the poorest dressed woman on the ship. Now, she produced her invention with a proud toss of black curls and a flush of excitement on her pale face. "My father's work is finished," she told them proudly. "The Scientist back there within the moon gave me the last idea. But, all in all, it is my father's invention. Had he lived, he would have perfected it. Just as I have done." Her eyes flashed. "Yes, some who are within this room thought that he wasted his time away. He washed beakers in the labs because some of you said that he produced nothing--" Ato's face was thin. "Nea, the past is behind us. Why carry your resentment with you? Your father died a hero's death. We have honored him." Again Nea's dark eyes flashed. "Oh, once he was dead you thought very well of him. And as for resentment, isn't this whole trip being made because you resent Grim Hagen--" Ato's face was growing darker. "You signed the ship's articles, Nea. We go to rescue our friends and loved ones. We go as a police force to punish one who has done much evil--" A grizzled Bron nodded in agreement. "Yes, Nea, this talk serves no purpose. Get along with your invention." "Very well. I asked for a live thing, but Ato would not agree." Again Ato was on the defensive. "There are not a dozen pets on the ship. I do not approve of such experiments. Besides, the batteries are already set up." He pointed to a row of dry-cells, connected together and wired to a large volt-meter upon the wall. "All right." Nea threw a switch that put the batteries in circuit. The needle of the gauge moved over to its farthest point. "Now," she told them. "You shall see. But be still. I am sure I can control it--" Odin thought there was just a bit of doubt in her voice. If so, it would only be natural. She opened the case and took out something which still looked to Jack Odin like a bowling ball--except that it was studded with little brads of copper and a swatch of fine, silky wires was wrapped around it.