Transcriber's Note:
This etext was produced from Galaxy Science Fiction December 1952. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.
The Reluctant Weapon
by HOWARD L. MYERS
Illustrated by EMSH
A live weapon is a downrightliability ... it's all too aptto get qualms of conscience!
When the Zoz Horde passeddestructively through this sectorof the Galaxy, approximately abillion years ago, they suffereda minor loss. One of their weapons,Sentient Killer No. VT672,had an unexplained malfunctionand was left behind to be repairedby the slave technicianswho followed the Horde. However,the Zoz were met and annihilatedby the Ghesh Empire,after which the masterless slavesdispersed to their home planets.The weapon, unrepaired, was leftforgotten in the solar system ithad failed to destroy.
resqu the Wisest, Rulerof Hova, Lord of the Universe,was being entertainedby a troupe of Goefddancers when his Lord of War,Wert, bounded into the AudienceHall. In his hurry to reach Tresqu'sthrone, Wert slipped on thenearly frictionless floor and skiddedthrough the formation ofdancers, sending the slenderGoefden sprawling in all directions.He slid to a halt by thePleading Mat, onto which hecrawled and groveled, awaitingpermission to speak.
"I believe three of the dancersreceived broken legs," Tresqu observedcalmly. "They are ratherdelicate creatures and not at allclumsy." He dipped the tip of histail into an urn of chilled perfumeand gently dabbed it about hisnostril. Speaking pleasantly, withlong pauses between sentences, hekept his friendly gaze on thegroveling Wert. "Oft I meditateon the clumsiness of our race incomparison to many others whoare our graceful servants. Why,I wonder, cannot the rulers begraceful? Some of us are veryclumsy indeed—too clumsy tolive."
A tremor passed through Wert'sstocky body.
"Possibly my Lord of War hasnews of sufficient import to excusehis ungainly haste. But Isincerely doubt it. I fear I mustsoon appoint a successor to him.Undoubtedly he has news of somesort. Blurt, Wert!"
"Your Majestic Wisdom,"whined Wert, "my message is ofutmost importance! The nativesof Sol III have captured one ofour decontaminator ships andlearned its secrets!"
"Sol III?"
"Yes, Your Wisdom. The planetcalled Terra."
"Terra? You must realize,lordling, that I cannot occupymyself with remembering trivialitiesabout individual worlds."
"Yes, Your Wisdom. We havea base, which is commanded by—thatis, we had a base commanded—"
"Enough!" snapped Tresqu."You start your tale from nowhereand wander whence andhence!" He raised his voice andcalled to one of his retainers."Fool! Come forward!"
An abnormally slender Hovanarose from a platform off to Tresqu'sleft and skipped nimbly forwardto stand insolently over theLord of War, who was still proneon the Pleading Mat.
"Recite for me," said Tresqu,"the co