He threw back his head and laughed a deep-throated laugh. Tancredi continued to look bemused.

‘You’re aware that every planet exists for a purpose?’ Soloman continued his explanation with a patronising smile. ‘Sanitalis is for health, Comfortably Numb for the relaxation of no tomorrows, Eros One for a reason I need not describe.’

Tancredi nodded, he understood this much.

‘Ylang Ylang is the custodian of the Galaxy’s guilt. We embrace it, my friend. Politicians and pop stars come here to emote against backdrops of bloated bellies and beautiful staring eyes. Naturally, we charge a fortune for this service.’

‘But what’s the benefit to them?’

‘All those in positions of power and influence,’ Soloman exclaimed, throwing his arms in the air, ‘must burnish their caring credentials with a visit to the planet. It’s a basic requirement. They moan with the destitute. They weep with our wanting. They are horrified by the helpless hunger.’

This appeared to Tancrdi to be the epitome of thoughtlessness.

‘But if the planet is paid to remain in this sad condition,’ he said quizzically, ‘how will its people progress?’

Soloman sighed as if trapped into giving a lesson in the rudimentary facts of life. Then he beamed another glittering smile. The General’s palace was some way distant; he would indulge his guest.

‘Who refuses cash? To be looked after? Enwrapped by the care and compassion of donor planets, why should we fritter away time and effort doing things for ourselves?’

Presently they came to a clearing in the garden which gave a view over a great hole in the ground. It appeared to be a mine of some sort. Hundreds of workers wearing ragged clothes were busy toiling in the sunshine. Cocomo stopped to look.

‘I see Ylang Ylang has wealth,’ she said.

‘Indeed,’ Soloman replied, ‘but the mine doesn’t belong to us.’

‘Foreign powers again?’ asked Cocomo. ‘That sounds like exploitation.’

‘Years ago you would have been right, pretty lady,’ Soloman replied, delighted to be talking to Cocomo. ‘Now you’re wrong.’

‘In ages past Ylang Ylang was brutalised by neighbouring worlds. They stole our resources, subverted our culture, enslaved our populace. Then times changed and civilisation progressed. The situation today is completely different.’

‘Ylang Ylang remains rich in resources, which it’s only natural for other planets to covet. But today, instead of enslaving us, they talk wonderfully about active engagement, positive partnerships, benefits for all. Then they take the mines.’

‘There are many types of exploitation,’ Cocomo replied. ‘This looks like the ethical kind.’

Soloman howled with laughter.

They carried on down the path and came to an area covered in tarmac on which was parked a dizzying array of military machines and exotic luxury cars – jeeps, tanks, trucks, helicopters, and fighter planes were reflected in the waxed gloss of Lamborghinis, Boxters and Silver Shadows. A private jet glistened in the sunlight. Tancredi and Cocomo were amazed by the display. Soloman stood by proudly.

‘Behold the power of Ylang Ylang,’ he said, ignoring the ephemeral luxury.