"—the ruffian thrust me into an alley bound in my own cloak. I'll most certainly complain to the Minister."
"How about the surgical mission?"
"A most generous offer," said Magnan. "Frankly, I was astonished. I think perhaps we've judged the Groaci too harshly."
"I hear the Ministry of Youth has had a rough morning of it," said Retief. "And a lot of rumors are flying to the effect that Youth Groups are on the way out."
Magnan cleared his throat, shuffled papers. "I—ah—have explained to the press that last night's—ah—"
"Fiasco."
"—affair was necessary in order to place the culprits in an untenable position. Of course, as to the destruction of the VIP vessel and the presumed death of, uh, Slop."
"The Fustians understand," said Retief. "Whonk wasn't kidding about ceremonial vengeance."
"The Groaci had been guilty of gross misuse of diplomatic privilege," said Magnan. "I think that a note—or perhaps an Aide Memoire: less formal...."
"The Moss Rock was bound for Groaci," said Retief. "She was already in her transit orbit when she blew. The major fragments will arrive on schedule in a month or so. It should provide quite a meteorite display. I think that should be all the aide the Groaci's memoires will need to keep their tentacles off Fust."