"As you know, we've tried a few methods. One of the gunners of the _Cottabus_ went into an air-lock and tossed a lead ball at the giant on the _Diogenes_, using a sling-gun. He found the range was too long; and when the captain attempted to bring the _Cottabus_ nearer, the thing on _Diogenes_ simply reared his ship up by shifting his weight backward. So long as they can maneuver our ships as easily as toy boats, we can't use that simple method. "Then _Diogenes_ tried to smash our giant off his perch by simply ramming him headlong. Take a look at the screen and you'll see that _Diogenes_ has a dented nose for her pains. Five men died in that try." "Captain," said a hydroponics engineer, "isn't it possible that, if we keep trying to oppose these aliens, they may simply tear their way into the ships and retaliate?" "Quite possible. Their strength is equal to picking the _Elephant's Child_ apart, I'm sure." He glared at the men. "Listen: I don't have to pull punches with you. The chances of our getting rid of these giants and making it to Earth are damned remote. There may be a chance, though, so we have to keep trying for it. "The most important thing we have to do is keep this life-form of the asteroids from going to Earth. We of the armada are a terrible danger to mankind, through no fault of ours. We're so many Typhoid Marys, potential carriers of something worse than any disease. Even if we're all killed, the giants might manage to learn the control of the ships, and take them to Terra alone. "So if we can't wipe out the enemy, our only course is to destroy ourselves and our ships. Every officer in the armada has instructions to blow up his ship if the giants should break into it. The thing is so important that I've issued orders to do that even though the use of lead-thrower weapons might conquer the invaders. "If giants seize a ship and it is not destroyed within five minutes, the other two will turn their platinum guns on it. "Any questions?" Jackson, who was spokesman for the crew, answered promptly, "No questions, sir." "Okay. Now let's have the technicians' report." A lean, angular man rose. "I've checked all the books, Captain. There is no way to substitute a charge of lead for the war-head in the curium shells." There was a stillness. "You mean we can't shoot lead at the giants except with the few handguns in my possession," said Pink heavily. "That's right, Captain." "The giants are too alert to be caught that way," said Bill Calico. "I have an idea--not much of a one, but it's a try." "Let's have it." Jerry waved a hand. "Please remove O. O. Smith first." Circe flared, "I think you're just afraid I'll get your job, you incompetent--" "Take her out," said Pink to Joe Silver.