" Schwatzendale returned to the Glicca, unshipped the flitter, then summoned Myron. “Do you own a gun?” “No.” “It is time that you did.” Schwatzendale rummaged through a locker in the saloon and brought out a squat black gun, which he handed to Myron. “This is a Detractor Model Nine, the Blue Spot version, very useful. One of the passengers left it aboard. Can you use it?” “Certainly.” “It is now yours.” “Thank you. Who am I to shoot?” “Possibly no one. We’re going up to Mel, at the top of the scarp. Bring along the gun. We will be talking to the Meluli hetman and perhaps a few others. Keep your gun in evidence at all times. Brandish it, flourish it, catch their attention! If anyone so much as sniffs, shoot him. This is the kind of conduct they respect. "

― Jack Vance , Ports of Call