"Target practice." Timmy was about to deliver further comments, but a rap at the door cut him loose. "Come in!" he barked. The door opened. The Leader entered.
"Ahhhh. Good morning, my dear guests." He rubbed his hands in a gesture that grated scales together. "We've a special treat for you this morning. And perhaps, since you've displayed certain interests in history, you'd enjoy sharing in the history of the future."
"Would we?" queried Timmy.
"Belligerence is an ill-fitting trait of yours, Mister Gordon," said the Neptunian. "An inadequate one, I'll add."
"We're wasting time," interrupted Tim. "Get on with it!"
"Impetuous? You've a right to be. Get into your space suits and come outside. We're launching a special present for the Jovian System ... and feel that you gentlemen would enjoy it."
"I know," muttered Timmy.
"Of course, you do." The Leader was grinning as he spoke. "We've given your companion full opportunity to tell you about it. But come along ... unless you prefer a few rather ... delicate ... adjustments of the nervous system."
Johnny Damokles laughed. But beyond that, neither he nor Tim had anything further to say. They climbed into their space clothes and followed the Leader out into the Neptunian twilight.