Torlos spoke briefly with the guard, who saluted and opened the door. The two Earthmen followed Torlos into a large room.
Before them was a large, crescent-shaped table, around which were seated several men. At the center of the crescent curve sat a man in a gray uniform, but he was so bedecked with insignia, medals, ribbons, and decorations that his uniform was scarcely visible.
The entire assemblage, including the leader, rose as the Earthmen entered. Arcot and Morey, taking the hint, snapped to attention and delivered a precise military salute.
"We greet you in the name of our planet," said Arcot aloud. "I know you don't understand a word I'm saying, but I hope it sounds impressive enough. We salute you, O High Muckymuck!"
Morey, successfully keeping a straight face, raised his hand and said sonorously: "That goes double for me, bub."
In his own language, the leader replied, putting his hands to his hips with a definite motion, and shaking his head from side to side at the same time.
Arcot watched the man closely while he spoke. He was taller than Torlos, but less heavily built, as were all the others here. It seemed that Torlos was unusually powerful, even for this world.
When the leader had finished, Arcot smiled and turned to project this thoughts at Torlos.
"Tell your leader that we come from a planet far away across the vast depths of space. We come in peace, and we will leave in peace, but we would like to ask some favors of him, which we will repay by giving him the secret of our weapons. With them, he can easily conquer Nansal.
"All we want is some wire made from the element lead and some information from your astronomers."