"Yes."
"Is Solleremos planning to take Earth into his Sector?"
Some dim vestige of a censor barrier seemed still to survive in Tauncer's mind, because there was a long delay and Garstang asked the question again, more sharply. But when the answer came it was clear enough.
"Yes."
Kirk looked at Garstang, and Garstang's cheeks reddened. Lyllin said triumphantly, "You see?"
"All right," said Garstang, and turned again to Tauncer.
"How will he do it?"
"Direct attack. The Earth naval forces are negligible. Lyra Squadron will be caught on the ground, disorganized by absence of command."
"Absence of command," said Kirk slowly. A sudden alarm came into his face. "You were going to keep me from returning to the squadron."
"Yes."