Cat's Cradle

Although Papa Monzano doesn’t die right away, John wonders when to announce his presidency. Frank promises to restore electricity and hold a ceremony, including an air show, to celebrate the Day of the Hundred Martyrs to Democracy. John plans to give a speech at the end of the ceremony.

John writes a humble, faith-filled speech. He considers inviting Bokonon to join the government, starting a utopian millennium of sorts, but realizes that, even combined, he and Bokonon lack the resources to give the people true prosperity, so he decides to maintain the official opposition to Bokonon.

John is joined on the top battlement of the castle by the Mintons, the Crosbys, both Castles, Newt, Angela, Frank, Mona, and various officials and soldiers for a buffet. Offshore, model figures of various dictators, such as Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin, are poised to be shot by San Lorenzo’s air force, consisting of six planes.