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The specialists still looked ruffled and unpreened from their long trek out of the hills. Now they slumped further in dejection. "In accepting parole you have injured-caused harm- reduced our propriety and honor," the Suzerain finished chiding. If they had been military the high priest might have demanded reparations from these and their families. But most of their escorts had been killed, and scientists were often less concerned or knowledgeable in matters of propriety than soldiers. The Suzerain decided to forgive them. "Nevertheless, your decision is understood-is given sanction. We shall abide by your parole." The technicians danced in relief. They would not suffer humiliation or worse upon returning to their homes. Their solemn word would not be repudiated. The parole would be costly however. These scientists had to depart from the Garth system at once and not be replaced for at least a year. Furthermore, an equal number of human beings had to be released from detention! The Suzerain suddenly had an idea. This brought on a rare flutter of that strange emotion, amusement. It would order sixteen humans freed, all right, but the mountain chimpanzees would not be reunited with their dangerous masters. The released humans would be sent to Earth! That would certainly satisfy the propriety of the parole. The solution would be expensive, true, but not nearly as much as letting such creatures loose again on the main continent of Garth! It was stunning to contemplate that neo-chimpanzees might have achieved what these report
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