“The marines are on their way,” hissed Stetson. “We’re coming in to get you. I’m going to want to know how you guessed that one.”
“You are a weak fool like the others,” gritted Tanub.
“It’s too bad you formed your opinion of us by observing only the low grades of the R&R,” said Orne.
“Easy, boy,” hissed Stetson. “Don’t pick a fight with him now. Remember, his race is arboreal. He’s probably as strong as an ape.”
“I could kill you where you sit!” grated Tanub.
“You write finish for your entire planet if you do,” said Orne. “I’m not alone. There are others listening to every word we say. There’s a ship overhead that could split open your planet with one bomb—wash it with molten rock. It’d run like the glass you use for your buildings.”
“You are lying!”
“We’ll make you an offer,” said Orne. “We don’t really want to exterminate you. We’ll give you limited membership in the Galactic Federation until you prove you’re no menace to us.”
“Keep talking,” hissed Stetson. “Keep him interested.”
“You dare insult me!” growled Tanub.