"This may work out," he said. "I should call them back, but since the fleet is out of contact, I'm unable to do so, correct? Thus I can hardly be held responsible for any over-enthusiasm in chastising the Groaci."
He closed one eye in a broad wink at Magnan. "Very well, gentlemen, I'll overlook the irregularity this time. Magnan, see to it the Smorbrodian public are notified they can remain where they are. And by the way, did you by any chance discover the technique of the indetectable drive the Qornt use?"
"No, sir. That is, yes, sir."
"Well? Well?"
"There isn't any. The Qornt were there all the while. Underground."
"Underground? Doing what?"
"Hibernating—for two hundred years at a stretch."
Outside in the corridor, Magnan came up to Retief, who stood talking to a tall man in a pilot's coverall.
"I'll be tied up, sending through full details on my—our—your recruiting theme, Retief," Magnan said. "Suppose you run into the city to assist the new Verpp Consul in settling in."