"It could be," Queeth admitted. "But do you agree that this is the news for which we've waited so long?"
There was a quick flutter of cars. "It's our duty," Krhal agreed. "In a war between Cathay and Kloomiria, we can't remain neutral if we're ever to serve our friends. Well, the ship is ready!"
That came as a surprise to Queeth. He knew the plans were well along, but not that they were completed. As merchant viscount, and second-degree adult, Krhal was entitled to a tenth of his father's interests. He'd chosen the biggest freighter and the balance in fluid assets, to the pleasure of his father—who believed he was planning an honorable career of exploring.
"The conversion completed?" Queeth asked. "But the planet bombs—!"
"Earth supplied them on the last shipment. I explained on the or
