Nance stumbled for words. What creatures of Earth could this being be speaking of, that had such power and progress.
But Staang was talking again in his gruff tones. "Correspondence ceased before my birth. I suppose my people grew too lazy, but the main objective had been reached. There is no work for the higher class Martians on your world, only an easy life with servants plenteous."
"Wait," spoke up Braun. "You said higher class Martian. Are there different breeds?"
"Oh, there are many breeds of Martians. Naturally, we had a slave type here in the height of our civilization, and these slaves were worked into your scheme of things to continue being slaves. They aid you Earthmen so that you may better serve the aristocrat Martians."
"But why haven't we seen the Martians?" Braun exclaimed. "I've seen nothing on Earth like you."
"No?" said Staang. "Our records say you Earthmen love us and are happy to serve."
Nance had been studying Staang's features with a practiced eye, the incredibility of his thoughts silencing his tongue.
But suddenly he realized that the creature was telling the truth—to a point. He knew that the Martians had invaded Earth. "Look at him, Commander," Nance said. "Don't you see the resemblance. Martians are on Earth, but we call them—"
"Good Grief!" exclaimed Commander Boone.