Don stood up too, feeling the sense of awe that this personage inspired. "How do you do, sir," he said.
"How do you do, General Cort."
"You know my name?"
"I know many things. Too many for such a frail old body. But someone had to preserve the heritage of our people, and I was chosen."
"Won't you sit down, sir?"
"I'll stand, thanks. I've rested long enough. Generations, as a matter of fact. Shall I answer some of your obvious questions? I'd better say a few things quickly, before Foghorn Frank hits the panic button."
Don smiled. "Can he hear you or shall I repeat everything?"
"Oh, he hears me. I've got gadgets galore, even though I'm between planets at the moment. I must say it's a pleasure to be among people again." He nodded pleasantly around the room.
Mrs. Garet smiled to him. "Would you like a cup of tea?"
"Later, perhaps, thank you. First I must assure you and everyone of Earth that no one will be harmed by us and that we want nothing for our new world that you are not willing to give."