“Earth will be destroyed in, oh, about 90 minutes.” Osric commented casually.

“What did you just say?” I stammered.

“Earth will be destroyed in 90 minutes.” Osric repeated patiently.

“It’s quite a relief, really. All that fussing and carrying on.” he said. He continued onwards and I tried to catch up.

“But now that the Afnid’s have met, it’s all been decided. Quite exciting. They had all the experts come in. Why even Paltin himself made an appearance. Tell me that won’t be talked about for a few ulas.”

“Earth’s destruction was decided by committee?” I exclaimed.

“Oh yes.” Osric said. “Can’t have a destruction with the proper authority. After all, the Empire must endure on the traditions that built it!”

He turned and began to leave the chamber.

“Wait!” I exclaimed. “Where are you going?”

“Oh, I have to get my quiznids reruffled” Osric said as he walked away. “I just can’t do them on my own anymore. Ta ta!”

He left me standing there, looking out the viewport as Earth spun for 86 more minutes.