The door flung open, and police entered. They begged Thomakein's forgiveness, and then marched him from the office to the great hall wherein the Council met.
The great Hall of History brought back the memory of his first visit, and Guy smiled. Then as the Council entered and seated itself, Guy faced them. In the balcony above, faces peered over at the governmental representatives. The wall below the balcony's edge came alive with the hundred and eighty phonoscopes that would take this proceeding to all Ertene.
"A grave charge has been made," said the leader of the group. "Who brings this charge."
"I, Lanee Elanane, charge that this man, Thomakein, has plotted against the Will of Ertene."
"The charge is treason, then?"
"Yes."
"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."