* * * * *
As the group left the Place of Eternal Strength, Maxis said, "Perhaps
they will have to be assembled. If they are not in session--"
"They _must_ be in session!"
On the trip to the Amphitheater of the Gods, two rebels were killed and
one loyal Martian added to the cavalcade. As they moved into the great
hall, Fanton said, "They are here!"
This appeared to be true. The seats flanking the central throne were
still occupied. The throne itself was vacant. Immediately upon entering
the great hall, Rex ran forward and climbed to the tier of benches.
The council members sat silent, unmoving. Rex pushed the body of the
nearest one. It tumbled off the bench like a sack of grain and fell to
the floor.