The Time Free Zone. Gregory J. McKenzie

When he tried to speak he found he was too relaxed to joke in any coherent manner. So the Captain gave up witty retorts to simply say,

       "That has to be the best drink in the galaxy. What do they call it?"

       Laughing with genuine pleasure, the Investigator said,

       "Its full name is unpronounceable in most galaxy languages. I can give you its binary code number latter for your future enjoyment of what is essentially the juice of perhaps the most revolting looking species in the galaxy. It was some fanatical astro-biologist who discovered that, if this species was in extreme danger, male members of that species excreted this juice. Some vain attempt, I think, to convince a predator not to kill it."

       Cringing at images in his head, the Captain said,

       "Way too much information my friend. Please leave me with some illusions, so I can go on drinking this amazing liquid. Now tell me what you thought of all those show trails we just witnessed."

       Thanking his lucky icons that they were not anywhere official, the Investigator said,

       "So you did notice the farcical nature of the prosecution case? What the blue moon happened there I like to know? It was an open and shut conviction for all of the accused. Yet only the simple space crew members were sent to a galactic prison. Not one of the ship captains was even convicted. I cannot explain what happened any more than you can my esteemed Captain."

       Not deceived at this late attempt at levity, the Captain said,

       "There was some political deal done that we know nothing about. All the captains have now been commissioned as galaxy space navigators. Can you believe that piece of space junk? They are now supposed to be on our side."

       Shaking his head, the Investigator said,

       "Incredible outcome! No matter what way you look at it. Almost as if that was the plan from the very beginning. Why send us to capture pirates then only imprison a token number? Makes no sense."

       They both stopped talking at the next round of drinks arrived. Due to the Investigator's limited budget this round was much less expensive. A common enough drink for hard drinking people nonetheless, so both of them took their time consuming this cheaper less palatable liquid now in their containers.