Kennedy said, "However, if you are confronted with more than one of the
bad guys." He grinned and flicked the gun to full automatic and in a
Gotterdammerung of sound in the confines of the room, emptied the clip
into his target sending splinters and chips flying and all but
demolishing the wooden backdrop.
His audience sat back in stunned horror at the demonstration.
Mayer said now, "The weapon is simple to construct, any competent
gunsmith can do it. It is manifest, Honorables, that with your people so
equipped your cities will be safe from attack and so will trading
caravans and ships."
Russ said shakily, "Your intention is good, Honorable Mayer, however it
will be but a matter of time before the barons have solved the secrets
of your weapon. Such cannot be held indefinitely. Then we would again be
at their mercy."
"Believe me, Honorable," Mayer said dryly, "by that time I will have new
weapons to introduce, if necessary. Weapons that make this one a very
toy in comparison."
Olderman resumed his office as spokesman. "This demonstration has
astounded us, Honorable Mayer, but although we admire your abilities it
need hardly be pointed out that it seems unlikely all this could be the
product of one brain."
"They are not mine," Mayer admitted. "They are the products of many
minds."
"But where--?"