The Last Weapon

When three fortune-hunters break open an ancient Martian vault, they expect treasure - not devices capable of leveling armies, freezing deserts, or bending reality itself. But their uneasy alliance dissolves fast as greed, paranoia, and raw ambition transform the red planet into a battleground of human betrayal.
"The Last Weapon" showcases Robert Sheckley at his sharpest, blending dark humor with razor-edged tension as he unspools a tale of power, corruption, and the catastrophic relics of a lost world. Each discovery raises the stakes until the final, unforgettable confrontation - one that proves the Martians saved their most astonishing creation for last.
Robert Sheckley (1928–2005) stands as one of science fiction's most inventive and mischievous voices. Known for his wit, philosophical playfulness, and talent for blending satire with suspense, Sheckley wrote hundreds of stories that continue to influence modern sci-fi. His work appeared in Galaxy, IF, Playboy, and many other top magazines, earning him a reputation as a writer who could twist a simple premise into something brilliantly unexpected. In "The Last Weapon," those skills are on full display.