A knock at the door broke the nikot-scented quiet. It was Kasthel, second in command of the flagship.
"Forgive me if I intrude, Commander, but there is a matter of grave importance which I wish to discuss with you."
"Your visit is welcome, Kasthel." Thettumir gestured to a nearby chair and pushed within reach the nikot humidor. "What is this matter of grave importance?"
Kasthel did not look up as he filled his smoke-tube. "You recall the conditions that existed when we left Urgoll, Commander?"
Thettumir nodded slowly, his great yellow orbs clouding. "There was threat of revolution. Only the announcement that a habitable planet—Errth—had at last been discovered delayed it. And now, when we return—defeated...."
"Exactly," Kasthel affirmed. "Revolution will burst out abruptly and violently. With Errth lost to us, the population pressure on Urgoll will have no other outlet."
Thettumir curled his snake-like fingers into a fist and brought it down angrily on the desk. "It was the fault of the expedition which discovered Errth! It was careless enough to give warning of our existence. The Errthmen already had space travel. When we finally came in force they were prepared."
"But a second attack, Commander. The Errthmen will not expect us to return."
"There will be no second attack. The revolution on Urgoll will bring on a dark age."
Kasthel leaned forward in sudden earnestness. "We could stop that. We compose the entire military strength of Urgoll. We are armed and trained. None could oppose us."