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Shortly, from the direction of the rocket, a group of four high-ranking officers came out of the forest, heading toward him. They were spruce, the officers, with military discipline holding their waists in and knees almost stiff.

“What in hell do you want?” Extrone asked.

They stopped a respectful distance away. “Sir....” one began.

“Haven’t I told you gentlemen that rockets frighten the game?” Extrone demanded, ominously not raising his voice.

“Sir,” the lead officer said, “it’s another alien ship. It was sighted a few hours ago, off this very planet, sir.”

Extrone’s face looked much too innocent. “How did it get there, gentlemen? Why wasn’t it destroyed?”

“We lost it again, sir. Temporarily, sir.”

“So?” Extrone mocked.

“We thought you ought to return to a safer planet, sir. Until we could locate and destroy it.”

Extrone stared at them for a space. Then, indifferently, he turned away, in the direction of a resting bearer. “You!” he said. “Hey! Bring me a drink!” He faced the officers again. He smiled maliciously. “I’m staying here.”