“Naturally, you will wish a full account of the available resources of AvaiM and Skang, as well as the Al-lanian colonies,” said Vahino in his soft voice. “The agriculture of Cundaloa, the mines of Skontar, will contribute much even at this early date, and, of course, in the end there must be economic self-sufficiency.”
“It is a question of education, too,” said Dalton. “We will send many experts, technical advisers, teachers…”
“And, of course, some question of military resources will arise…” began the Chief of Staff.
“Skontar have own army,” snapped Skorrogan. “No need of talk there yet.”
“Perhaps not,” agreed the Minister of Finance mildly. He took out a cigarette and lit it.
“Please, sir!” For a moment Skorrogan’s voice rose to a bull roar. “No smoke. You know Skontarans allergic to tobacco…”
“Sorry!” The Minister of Finance stubbed out the cylinder. His hand shook a little and he glared at the envoy. There had been little need for concern, the air-conditioning system swept the smoke away at once. And in any case — you don’t shout at a cabinet minister. Especially when you come to ask him for help…
“There will be other systems involved,” said Dalton hastily, trying with a sudden feeling of desperation to smooth over the unease and tension. “Not only the colonies of Sol. I imagine your two races will be expanding beyond your own triple system, and the resources made available by such colonization…”
“We will have to,” said Skorrogan sourly. “After treaty rob us of all fourth planet — No matter. Please to excuse. Is bad enough to sit at same table with enemy without being reminded of how short time ago he was enemy.”
This time the silence lasted a long while. And Dalton realized, with a sudden feeling almost of physical illness, that Skorrogan had damaged his own position beyond repair. Even if he suddenly woke up to what he was doing and tried to make amends — and who ever heard of a Skontaran noble apologizing for anything — it was too late. Too many millions of people, watching their telescreens, had seen his unpardonable arrogance. Too many important men, the leaders of Sol, were sitting in the same room with him, looking into his contemptuous eyes and smelling the sharp stink of unhuman sweat.