The Commander said, "Kina, call Hauns." The Secretary showed no surprise, but somehow managed to give that impression.
"The city of Hauns, capitol of Beolin III, the ruling planet of the Beolin system?" he asked very respectfully.
"Yes. I want to talk to their Commissioner-in-Chief. And also find the present location of the Stella."
"Yes, sir," said Kina.
He came back within ten seconds. "The Stella," he said, "is now at 3rd Quadrant 3521 NA, W-88236. Speed, one light-year per hour. Heading, 338 Degrees NA of nearest sun, Beolin. And I have Beolin Command for you."
The Commander touched a switch and the screen flicked on again. "Thank you, Kina," he said.
The face in the screen was definitely not human. Its structure, and even more, its expression was alien. It was distinctly unpleasant.
It belonged to Krraula, who was Commander-in-Chief, and the foremost murderer of the Beolin System. He smiled, a smile that was not a smile. He said, "Ah, Commander." And he saluted, sneering slightly.
The Commander said, "Greetings, Krraula. I would like to inquire the reason for your fleet being in its present position."
Krraula smiled again. "The fleet, Commander? Merely maneuvers," he said slyly. "Why do you ask?"