The old man's eyes widened slightly as Kalenda recalled his adventures. He nodded sharply, and his gaze was piercing. It was as if the man was trying to look through Kalenda, in a bid to ascertain whether the younger man was telling the truth. When his spoke, his voice was a near whisper.
Those things you've seen...they are real.
He looked around furtively to ensure that no one was listening.
Remnants of an old alien empire....They almost destroyed Humanity eighteen years ago, and they are still attempting it.
The last, delivered in barely a whisper, was weighted to convey drama. The old man gauged Kalenda for a reaction.