"Explain the reason for these charges. Remember, Lanee Elanane, this is no trial, but a pretrial to arrive at the decision as to the graveness of the crime. Evidence for such a crime must be collected, and if the charge is allowed, you will be permitted to gather such evidence during a period of time decided by this Council." "I have reason to believe that Thomakein is plotting to take Ertene into the Solar System," said Guy. The Council exploded. The austere meeting broke into a riot of talk until Guy shouted: "Quiet!" "Proceed, Elanane." "In addition, Thomakein has ambition to become the supreme ruler over the allied Solar System and Ertene." Harabond, the head of the Council, arose. "Assuming that Thomakein were successful in his mechanical intrigue--he might be elected to rule. The accomplishment of such a feat would prove his ability." "Ertene can be swung, can't it?" asked Guy. "Yes--but only if it is universally agreed on Ertene." Guy leaned forward and his voice was dry and hard. "Harabond, on Terra it is reported that many times a brilliant but dishonest leader of minorities has succeeded in making a shambles of the world before he was subdued. It is fear of this that has made Terrans distrustful of everyone who is not openly for them. And do you think that a man capable of running this intrigue to its present state of completion would stop at elections? He'll grab!" "Thomakein, will you offer defense?" Thomakein stood forward with a cryptic smile upon his lips. "Harabond, how long have you been Leader of the Council?" "Proceed, Thomakein. Leave the personalities out of this." "You do not know the man before you," said Thomakein. "Those of you who were here when we first met a denizen of Sol--do you remember Gomanar? This is he!" "Impossible." "Not at all. I remembered how he resembled the lanee-assistant. Elanane became lanee later, remember. This man before you, Members of the Council, is the man who promised never to tell of Ertene. He was willing to violate his initial oath to Terra and keep us from exposure. This is the man who spoke openly on Terra, violating his oath to us. This is the man who is now violating his oath to us by being here--he promised never to return." "Get Charalas," said Harabond. A courier left silently, scowling that his absence would deprive him of some interesting scenes. * * * * * "Now," said Harabond, "if this is whom you say, prove it here and now!" "Have I no time to gather evidence?" asked Thomakein cynically. "His charge against you was first. This matter of counter-charges complexes the proceedings. Must we hold our lanee in trial to prove his right to charge another with treason?" "I need no time," said Thomakein. "I can prove that he is not Elanane." "Perhaps I can disprove you," smiled Guy. "He thinks to baffle us all," laughed Thomakein. "Harabond, so great is his deceit that he thinks to fool us all."