Our Second Chance

"Golqut, sir, I have terrible news."

"Go on, Qaevix."

"The people elected the other one instead."

"Oh, no, that's terrible news. Do you have the holoprojector ready?

"Sir, I warned you about their resilience ... I'm afraid they'll have scientists in charge who won't be fooled by the asteroid. They'll readily figure out the mirage."

"What about the virus?"

"Unfortunately, with scientists involved, they'll solve it."

"And our terraforming experiment?"

"Scientists ..." Qaevix shook its head.

"Very well, Qaevix, we must retreat."

"Yes, sir, but we can return in four years."

"Why four years, Qaevix?"

"That'll be our second chance."