"This is open aggression, Retief," he said, "in case I haven't made myself clear. Aggression on Terrestrial-occupied territory by an alien species. Obviously, we can't allow it."
Magnan drew a large folder from his desk.
"A show of resistance at this point is necessary. Unfortunately, Jorgensen's Worlds are technologically undeveloped areas. They're farmers or traders. Their industry is limited to a minor role in their economy—enough to support the merchant fleet, no more. The war potential, by conventional standards, is nil."
Magnan tapped the folder before him.
"I have here," he said solemnly, "information which will change that picture completely." He leaned back and blinked at Retief.
"All right, Mr. Councillor," Retief said. "I'll play along; what's in the folder?"
Magnan spread his fingers, folded one down.
"First," he said. "The Soetti War Plan—in detail. We were fortunate enough to make contact with a defector from a party of renegade Terrestrials who've been advising the Soetti." He folded another finger. "Next, a battle plan for the Jorgensen's people, worked out by the Theory group." He wrestled a third finger down. "Lastly; an Utter Top Secret schematic for conversion of a standard anti-acceleration field into a potent weapon—a development our systems people have been holding in reserve for just such a situation."
"Is that all?" Retief said. "You've still got two fingers sticking up."