Sarah was still grumbling as they came along the corridor to the communications room.  'All right, so you need some kind of alarm system at the refinery.  Does it have to be something that drives people out of their minds?'

'You've got to remember we're strangers on this planet,' said Eckersley patiently.  'And we're not too popular.  We've got to protect ourselves.'

'Most of the Peladonians are still close to barbarism,' said Alpha Centauri.  'They have a great distrust of progress.'

Sarah stopped and turned to face him.  'Maybe that's because they're not getting anything out of it.  You've got to convince them progress will give them a better life.'

'It's no good, Sarah,' said Eckersley.  'Force is all they understand.'

As if to give emphasis to his words, Ettis sprang around out from his hiding place behind an arras, and struck Eckersley down with the hilt of his sword.

Eckersley groaned and fell, and Ettis menaced Alpha Centauri with his sword blade.

'Help, help, we are being attacked,' shrieked the Ambassador.

'Silence, alien.  Into the communications room, both of you.'  Leaving Eckersley where he had fallen, Ettis herded Alpha Centauri and Sarah through the doorway.

Once they were inside, Ettis said threateningly, 'Do as you are told and you won't be harmed.  I want you to open the Federation armoury door.'

'That is out of the question,' said Alpha Centauri primly.  'Natives of primitive planets are forbidden access to sophisticated weapons.'

Ettis held his sword to Sarah's throat.  'Open that door!'

'Only Eckersley knows how to operate the controls, and you have rendered him unconscious.  I cannot do as you ask.'

'I advise you to try - if you wish to save the life of your fellow alien.'  Again the sword menaced Sarah.

Reluctantly Alpha Centauri moved to the control panel.