"Very sensible. We have the same laws and the same interpretation," smiled Gant. "But in this case we have a different situation. As of the last acknowledged contact with Transgalactic, and specifically that part which is dealing with Sol and Terra, they had every right to proceed. The law has been changed. Now it is up to the law to see that the change in law has been properly delivered to the interested parties and that the change is acknowledged. Follow?"
Dusty nodded. "Ex post facto sort of thing. If you pass a law forbidding neckties on Tuesday, you cannot arrest a man for having appeared on Monday without one."
"Right."
"But this is already Tuesday."
"But to be effective, newly-passed laws must be properly posted. Then must be acknowledged from the farthest point in space. And Transgalactic is playing communication-silence."
Dusty grunted angrily. "And that was the character that yelped about our vengeful nature? Isn't he guilty of the same?"
Gant Nerley nodded. "Of course! Aren't we all of the same cut of human?"
The phanoband signal went on:
"Calling Transgalactic! Discontinue all operations by Order of—" and so forth.
The squawk box on the wall said, "Calling Gant Nerley with report."