"Perhaps," rapped Kel Aran. "But it proves that you are something worse. We know ten times more than Setsi told you. Do you remember the game on Ledros, when you played three ships of your command against a slave-girl, and lost them to Malgarth? Do you remember how you got the funds you paid for the five Moons of Haari? Do you remember—"
He was interrupted by a choking roar.
"If you don't like to be reminded, Admiral," the Earthman cut in again, "call off your ships. Otherwise, we'll tell all your fleet why the stores are rotten! And why the pay was cut!"
The sandbat fluttered on his shoulder, like a mist of diamond light.
"Oh, Admiral, beware!" caroled the silicon being. "Setsi'll tell! Oh, oh, Admiral, what a world Setsi'll tell. For Setsi knows! Setsi knows about the secret cabin in your ship, and those you imprison there, and the deadly drug ixili!"
"Eh?" rapped Kel Aran, into the stark silence. "Shall we broadcast, Admiral?"
And the sandbat, clinging like a gem-sewn patch to his shoulder, made a mockingly melodious chuckle.
A long silence, while I could hear the Admiral's gasping breath.
"All right," said Kel Aran. And his fingers touched the controls of the screen.
"No, don't broadcast!" It was a hoarse, whispered gasp. "I'll call back the fleet. And we must make a rendezvous—for I will reward you."