"And you've felt all these years you were to blame for his death!" Hanlon exclaimed. "When we get back I'm going to have the best plastic surgeon remove that scar, so it will no longer be a constant reminder. Then a top psychiatrist will give you some therapy, and help you get your mind at rest. After that you'll be ready to take your place in society as a very valuable citizen."
"You forget what's going to happen to me because of my part in this plot," Philander was still bitter and unconvinced.
"Nothing's going to happen to you--you weren't guilty of anything except having been hypnotized by an alien supermentality," Hanlon said convincingly. "I'll see to that, myself."
Philander looked up in surprise. "You mean you ... a young fellow like you ... can tell the ..."
"Not exactly," Hanlon interrupted with a grin. "But this was my assignment, and my recommendations will govern. The main thing is, will you consent to the plan I've suggested?"
Philander sat for long, thoughtful minutes, then looked up piteously. "If you only can do it!"
When the cruiser reached Simonides and Hanlon had seen the other mine workers safely in the Corps prison at Base, and Philander installed in a room next to his at the hotel, he called Admiral Hawarden.
"Congratulations on the mop-up, which I understand was one hundred point oh oh oh percent," the officer said.
"Yes, the other end's under control. How about Bohr's notes?"
"They finished last night. We've got a complete list of all the underlings who knew any of the main parts of the conspiracy, and the SS agents have jugged them all."
"You did a grand job, sir. Again, my congratulations."
"Thanks, Admiral Hawarden. I've got to get busy now, on my report to the Council."
"Call on me for any help I can give. I'd offer you my confidential secretary to dictate them to, if it wasn't so secret."
"Thanks. She would be a big help, but we'd better not."
"Even a pigeon can admire a shapely shape," Hanlon quipped as he disconnected.
The young SS man was just finishing his report the next day when Admiral Newton walked into his hotel room.
"Gosh, Dad, am I _especially_ glad to see you this time!" his son enthused. "I need you to check this report."
"Let's see what you've got." Newton settled down in a big chair to study the report, while Hanlon fidgetted about the room, anxiously.