"That's better," Loong smiled when Savage sat down. "Here, have a drink and I'll tell you what I think the shooting is about."
Savage took the proffered glass and waited expectantly.
"As you know," Loong began, "Kalnor was Emperor until Hlar, then High Commissioner, staged a coup d'etat. Kalnor and his family were murdered and Hlar proclaimed himself Emperor. Czako, our present High Commissioner, was Captain of the household Guard and was elevated to his present lofty position as a reward for his part in the conspiracy.
"During the years you have been in space our esteemed High Commissioner has secretly been laying the groundwork for a coup of his own. The situation is really quite simple; the Emperor wants to remain Emperor, while Czako wants to become Emperor. Fortunately, at the moment neither seems powerful enough to dispose of the other.
"Now consider the situation as it applies to you. A formerly unknown and unnoticed Fleet captain has suddenly been decorated and promoted on the orders of Hlar himself, and this after records concerning him were altered. He has been invited to the private chambers of the Empress, where few men are invited. The High Commissioner fears the Emperor and Hlar is jealous of his wife. So...."
Loong spread his hands expressively to finish the sentence, but Savage needed no more.
"That's clear enough," he said, "but how do you fit in?"
"I am the faithful servant of the Emperor and his representative, the High Commissioner."
Loong just spread his hands again. Then he asked abruptly:
"What do you think of our planetary policies?"
The question took Savage aback. "What do you mean?" he stalled.
"I mean our policy of immediate conquest and subjugation of any inhabited planet we discover," Loong replied.
"That depends," said Savage carefully. He drank slowly, watching Loong over the edge of the glass.
"On what I think?" smiled Loong. "I know what I think. I want your opinion."
Savage decided to take a chance. "I believe a friendly, diplomatic approach would be a far better method," he said. "For example, in the case of Terra...."
"Exactly," Loong interrupted heatedly. "Nothing permanent is gained by force. A conquered people will not remain so forever."