“ ‘Third Supplement: the Character Laws, commonly known as White Laws. In compliance with Senatorial Order 2144–104, the Universal Free Court has assembled a code of behaviorally restrictive laws intended to reflect those laws most commonly agreed upon by those human beings who believe that the prohibition of certain activities and the requirement of certain others is conducive to the formation of good moral character and health, and thus beneficial to the human race and the fulfillment of human potential. Prohibitions apply primarily to such arenas as recreational violence, mind-altering chemicals, harmful cultural artifacts, and potentially exploitative sexual activities, while requirements apply mainly to arenas such as health, education, working conditions, and happiness. Any person, including a Minor, who has not registered to be governed by the laws of a different Authority may register to be governed and protected by these Character Laws in addition to the Consensus Laws and Universal Laws, may thereafter demand protection and enforcement of these laws from the Universal Free Court, and may be detained, tried, and punished by the Universal Free Court for violating them. A person may choose to adopt or renounce the Character Laws at any time, unless the motive for said change is criminal and unjust.’ ”

Perhaps never in history had so many eyes stared prayerfully at the Senate door as when MASON began the final supplement. Hiveless Fracciterne answered their prayers, the proud old Graylaw entering with a stack of papers held aloft, like the last tuft of leaves as autumn claims a lanky poplar. Other key Senators trailed behind their spokesperson like a V of geese: the many motions’ movers, Mitsubishi Zhao and Mudali walking together, European Higginbotham, Cousin Podrova trading glares with sitting Humanists, the redundant but supportive Gordian Petőfi, Blacklaw Tribune Natekari with her cat-soft steps, Deputy Commissioner Chowdhury looking substantially calmer than when he left, even Cookie, whose Black Law draft sat at the back of Fracciterne’s stack like one diseased leaf. Many other key Senators walked with them: Senator Charlemagne Guildbreaker Junior and other lead Masons, four of the sharpest Brillists, six European nation-strat representatives, and, accompanying Minister of Education Cook, nine more of our Alliance Ministers, including the Ministers of Culture, Communications, Health, Strat-Relations, Reservations, even the Minister for Extraplanetary Affairs, irrelevant but beautiful in a coat which gave the other Senators space suits. Grandpa Jin Im-Jin beamed as he accepted Fracciterne’s papers.

“Are you finished, Mason MASON?” Speaker Jin asked as soon as Caesar paused. “If so, Hiveless Fracciterne seems to have a new motion.”

The Emperor gazed on his little blue book long enough to put the fear of MASON into the crowd once more, then smiled. “Yes, that’s enough review, I think. Thank you, Member Speaker, colleagues, for your kind attention.”

“Thank you, Mason MASON. The Chair recognizes Hiveless Fracciterne.”