Applause thundered in the hall. The spectators roared their relief and approval until court officers spread out among them. During the ovation Ron remained standing. He faced the judges, his eyes hard and bitter.
Solemnly they sat down, all except the one who had addressed Ron. “Your judgment and execution have been heard and approved, Ron Barron. Your claim to the prisoner, Barmese, is thereby fulfilled. He will be remitted to the Council of the Federation for reclamation.”
The session was over. Ron led his mother and the girls out of the hall, while the officers held back the crowd swarming about him. They entered the car that had brought them from the colony.
During the ride, Ron sat motionless, only his eyes moving swiftly over the bright city, its great buildings and brilliant land
