The Venus panel finally held steady on universally notorious features, that were as fierce as an eagle's, in a fancy war helmet. "Trillium! My own granddaughter? Impossible! Dimdooly," Mr. President roared at his Excellency, "what's this nonsense?"
"Some loud creature is interfering," Madame President snapped with annoyance.
"Blasted fools still have the circuits crossed," Mr. President swore. "Some silly female cackling now!"
The parties in the panels saw each other now. Each one's left hand on a desk moved toward a big red button marked, ROCKETS.
"So," Mr. President said evenly. "Another violation by your Earthmen."
"By your granddaughter, at least," Madame President replied coolly.
"An innocent child," Mr. President snapped, "obviously kidnapped by those two idiotic Earthmen there!"
"Oh, no, Grandpapa," Trillium said swiftly; "I stole away all by myself, and Mr. O'Rielly and Callahan have been very helpful."
"Impossible!" Grandpapa President's ear beards stood near straight up as he roared, "You couldn't have stolen away by yourself! Trillium, tell the truth!"
"Very well. Grandmamma told me how."