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.He stood in the beam of a pinpoint spotlight, addressing the half-seen figures illuminated by twelve identical cones of light in the vast chamber.In the blackness between was the faint peeping sound of the court reporter's machine."The Reeves are threatening the very safety of your design to form a Federation of Sentient Planets.Their activities destroy the very integrity and credibility of the Amalgamated Worlds and our dream for a united galaxy! Once the models of probity and dedication, both father and son have conspired to seize Doona for their own, and, had it not been for the discovery of their heinous infractions of the most basic Treaty stipulations, they might have succeeded in their scheming." "Treaty Councillors are supposed to deal with such infractions, aren't they?" one of the panel inquired."Not when the crimes have such far-reaching consequences.No, honored sirs, this matter goes far beyond the Doonan system.It has most certainly raised awkward questions in the Hrruban Speakers Council and the Treaty Council as well!" Landreau shook his head sadly to add that detail."I am deeply concerned that the Hrrubans will feel obliged to alter their opinions of us all, if these deplorable men remain in so public a position on Doona.The least that will happen is for the Hrrubans to pull out of the Federation or, worse, decide that we Humans must be rigorously schooled in their ways.They will undoubtedly impede our reach for the stars, cut short our explorations, confine us to the few planets we already own.Since Todd Reeve has not, cannot be cleared of his alleged crimes, I call for the removal of the Reeves from Doona to Earth for being detrimental to the renewal of the Treaty of Doona.I am sure your counterpan on Hrruba will also withdraw their, er, embarrassment from the colony, for that young male causes his people great sorrow.You must surely understand why we cannot have people of questionable integrity involved in high-level positions in the colony at this critical time.Remove the Reeves from Doona and let that situation resolve itself without further detriment." There was a lot of muttering among the panel as Landreau's suggestion was discussed.He waited patiently, knowing that he had presented a valid and timely argument.He was rather pleased by his eloquence and the way he had deftly emphasized the salient points.Landreau was even more pleased when the prevailing sentiment favored his solution.He had also counted on the fact that trade agreements had been drawn up and were awaiting the renewal of the Treaty before Hrruban ratification.That factor had probably contributed to the necessity of removing such controversial persons."You have made a plain case of a disgraceful situation,' the chairman said."At such a critical stage, nothing may be permitted to jeopardize the Treaty Renewal.Bailiff, give orders for Ken Reeve and his son Todd to be immediately brought to Earth to appear before this panel.Make the necessary representations to the Hrruban Center for the use of grid transportation of these two." Then the chairman inclined his head toward Landreau."You may, of course, be present at the hearing, Admiral."Gladly,' Landreau said."I wish to further the cause of justice in every way within my power.With some effort he restrained his elation.He must now make arrangements so that when that pair arrived, the Hrrubans on duty at that wretched grid would be those who would deliver the Reeves into his keeping.Soon, soon, he thought, rubbing his hands together in smug anticipation, he would be rid of Ken Reeve and that hyperactive son of his forever.Then his most ambitious plan could be initiated.Instead of the panel of inquiry meeting them, there would be an entirely different kind of reception committee awaiting the Reeves.Landreau smiled."My eyes will be ruined reading this small print, Todd said, briefly knuckling his eye sockets as he wearily turned over another one of Dalkey's printouts."Some of these entries date back from when we were kids.Have you found anything relevant?" he asked Hrriss, who was as diligetly examining his share of the packet
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