Thettumir nodded slowly, his great yellow orbs clouding. "There was threat of revolution. Only the announcement that a habitable planet--Errth--had at last been discovered delayed it. And now, when we return--defeated...."
"Exactly," Kasthel affirmed. "Revolution will burst out abruptly and violently. With Errth lost to us, the population pressure on Urgoll will have no other outlet."
Thettumir curled his snake-like fingers into a fist and brought it down angrily on the desk. "It was the fault of the expedition which discovered Errth! It was careless enough to give warning of our existence. The Errthmen already had space travel. When we finally came in force they were prepared."
"But a second attack, Commander. The Errthmen will not expect us to return."
"There will be no second attack. The revolution on Urgoll will bring on a dark age."
Kasthel leaned forward in sudden earnestness. "We could stop that. We compose the entire military strength of Urgoll. We are armed and trained. None could oppose us."
"But what good would it do?" Thettumir objected. "We would only keep in power an Executive Council which, if it had been more efficient and fore-sighted, would have controlled the spread of population in the beginning."
"Why share with the Executive Council what we have won by our own efforts?" Kasthel asked slyly.
For a moment Thettumir was puzzled. Then he smiled in sudden understanding. "I see what you mean. But, aside from taking over the rule of Urgoll, I see other things also. We could effect a temporary solution to the problem of over-population--by exterminating the weak and unfit. Then we could train all those remaining as soldiers, assemble the greatest fighting force that ever existed. Errth could yet be taken!"
Kasthel leaned closer. "But, Commander, are these things we could do, or will do?"
"_Will_ do!" Thettumir snapped grimly, determinedly.
They interlocked digits in enthusiastic agreement. And then, over glasses of fiery _glath_ liquor, they polished the rough jewel of their plans.
The scout ships reported back. Gray clouds extended down to the very surface of the planet, but a landing would not be too difficult, since instruments showed the terrain to be dry and firm and free of irregularities. Gravity was slight, as the planet was a relatively small one. There was air--thin but breathable.