A gong sounded gently but pervasively. Dr. Cabanis said, "I hope you have no resentment against me at this stage of the game, Ronar. I'd hate to have my wife lose the prize because the judge was prejudiced."
"Have no fear, Doctor. I take professional pride in my work. I will choose only the best."
"Of course, the fact that the cakes are numbered and not signed with the names of their creators will make things simpler."
"That would matter with human judges. It does not affect me."
Another gong sounded, more loudly this time. Gradually the conversation stopped. A man in a full dress suit, with yellow stripes down the sides of his shorts, and tails hanging both front and rear, climbed up on the platform. His eyes shone with a greeting so warm that the fear was almost completely hidden. "How are you, Ronar? Glad to see you."
"I'm fine, Senator. And you?"
"Couldn't be better. Have a cigar."
"No, thank you. I don't smoke."
"That's right, you don't. Besides, I'd be wasting the cigar. You don't vote!" He laughed heartily.