The guard was rushed immediately before the Commander—into the dread Presence. The Commander's eyes were terrible but his voice remained soft. "You know by what a slim thread our invasion plans hang?"
"Yes, Commander."
"You know that utter secrecy has been our key from the start?"
"Yes, Commander."
"I just wanted to make sure before I execute you in the name of the Supreme Otarkian Council."
"Yes, Commander."
The Commander drew his gun and aimed accurately. The guard died bravely.
And that was that.
But there was worry. The Commander consulted with the Second. "It would be wise to return."
The Second calculated time. "It would be high noon back there before we could set down."