The Gods Hate Kansas Page 15

  For a moment Temple was too stunned to move. Then a burst of crazy laughter came booming out of his lips. He howled, roared, slapped his thighs and finally choked, “Lay off, you wonderful dopes! That beam doesn’t work in here on account of the shielding—thank the Lord. The war’s over and everything is peaceful and friendly.”

  Monj pushed forward. “Your friend who is injured—let me go to him and use this surgeon’s skill in a better cause.”

  Hours later, with Rocossen resting comfortably and the group at last convinced that the war was indeed over, they parted beside the rocket that waited to carry them back to Earth.

  “I hope,” Monj said, “that everything is settled now, with no matters left unfinished.”

  Temple looked startled. “Hey, there’s some mighty important unfinished business, come to think about it.” He pulled Lee into the curve of his arm and grinned at Monj. “There’s going to be a wedding in the Culwain Chapel, and you’re all invited, friends.”