"The Scarlet Angel's reformed, remember? She's Joline's Minister of Justice now."

"Yeah, but she's best suited to outdoor work." Palma picked up another sheet of photos. "Here's Dr. Ferrier being sworn in as the new Secretary of Peace. Good thing he had an extra supply of his Special Blend Number Three for Joline to squirt on her papa."

"He didn't. The stuff we used at your execution was a new batch made up with ingredients scrounged up in Suicide Slum."

Palma was considering another string of photos. "Mulligan Starbuck, or whatever his name is, looks pretty good in this diplomatic outfit," he said. "I got some nice stuff of his negotiating the cease-fire between East and West. Ah, and here's St. Charlie's with all the inmates being let free. Who's this red-bearded lad with the two black eyes?"

"Dr. Brownlove," said Summer from where he sat "He's the guy who supervised my torture. I had a chance to see him when St. Charlie's was liberated."

"This angora catman looks a little odd. Didn't notice him at the time."

Summer went over to look. "That's a real lunatic. They let him out with the rest."

Palma shuffled the proof sheets, got them into an even pile, and dropped it to the table. "Things should go well in Laranja East from now on."

"Maybe," said Summer. "Is that party still going on up there?"

"Sure, why?"

"Think I'll go wish the captain a happy birthday." He crossed to the cabin door.

"OK," said Palma. "If you're not back in a couple of hours I'll check the brig."

--END--.