"I think they convey something about two days. We await the arrival of the contingents from the other planets."
"More time wasted."
"Think of the eons before this and the eons that will follow. And then think of how utterly minute your two days are. They will arrive, but quickly enough."
Flight Commander Cliff Lane heard the recognition gear tick off, and he whirled to look at the scanning plate. "The devil," he growled.
"Sir?
"What is he doing here?"
"I don't understand, sir."
Cliff smiled wryly. "Sorry. I thought this would be more or less pleasant."
"Isn't it?"