Anne-Marie turned to look at Retief.
"You are afraid for us, Retief," she said. "The Soetti will attack our worlds, and we will fight them. We have fought before. These planets were not friendly ones."
"I thought the Soetti attack would be a surprise to you," Retief said. "Have you made any preparation for it?"
"We have ten thousand merchant ships. When the enemy comes, we will meet them."
Retief frowned. "Are there any guns on this planet? Any missiles?"
Anne-Marie shook her head. "Bo Bergman and Tove have a plan of deployment—"
"Deployment, hell! Against a modern assault force you need modern armament."
"Look!" Anne-Marie touched Retief's arm. "They're coming now."
Two tall grizzled men came up the slope, skis over their shoulders. Anne-Marie went forward to meet them, Retief at her side.
The two came up, embraced the girl, shook hands with Retief, put down their skis.