(no subject)

As part of the meme where you grab a book and post certain sentences from a certain page into your LJ, leecetheartist posted the following, adding, "This is a famous book! It's a *serious* book from decades ago. So, can anyone on your friends list or yourself identify it?"

His voice grew harsh. " During the three hours it will take us to put the modified plan into effect, we will be helpless against him except for high powered mobile vibrators and heat projectors. We dare not use anything heavier inside the ship, and those will have to be used with care since they can kill human beings. Naturally each man will be expected to defend himself with his own vibrator."
He stepped back. "Let's get going!"

I have no idea and am informed it's not E.E. Doc Smith. Does anyone else know the source of these gallant space adventurers and their vibrators?