"Commander Ros Vinla, you have heard the Decision?"
"I hear and obey."
Unbroken silence reigned in the Chief Scribe's office. Lan Yotar sat with his face in his hands, his lips murmuring soundless prayers to the God of Nature. The faces of the ten Elders, reflected in the televisoscreen, were grave and sad. Even the usually imperturbable Chief Scribe fidgeted nervously with his tablets and from time to time glanced impatiently at the intercommunicator.
At last the signal showed the Commander was ready to report.
"Var Dalum," said the Chief Scribe huskily.
"Greeting from Ros Vinla, Commander of the Spacefleet of Norga, to Var Dalum, Chief Scribe of the Rulers of Norga," came the Commander's emotionless voice. "Peace be with you. Decision 14A carried out.
"That is all."