Page 102 - The Perpetrations of Captain Kaga

Recounting the Binary Neeks

0915. He waited until Bagpipe Ambler was out of sight, and then ran
quickly back through the compound. He passed Captain Kaga, who
looked at him questioningly.
“I think it worked,” shouted Lugo as he ran by. “Now the other
one should be getting here.”
A minute later he reached the back gate and opened it. An old
Neek stood stiffly at attention in the portal. It raised two limbs with
digits extended and spoke in a liquid hissing voice.
“Greetings, honored ambassador from the outer worlds. It is my
pleasure to be able to serve you. I came as quickly as possible from
the side of 1, who has taken ill. My appreciation would be unbounded
if you would permit me to rejoin him at once.”
He performed the equivalent of a bow and waited for Lugo to
reply. The lieutenant was not fooled by the display of politeness; he
knew Sniffling Strutter would greatly enjoy trampling him.
“Of course, my dear 11. But first I must speak with you concerning
a matter of great delicacy. Are you alone?” Lugo peered down the
perimeter of the duralloy wall.
“Yes, Excellency, just as you requested. How may I be of service?”
“Let me first express my regret at being partially responsible for
what has happened. Your estimable leader 1 frequently sought my
advice on certain technical matters, and that is how I came to learn of
the decision he was considering. You see, he asked me many
questions about the hierarchical systems used on other worlds—how
they were set up, which had lasted the longest, and so forth. Since
this was a purely historical matter, I thought nothing of telling him
what I knew.”
Sniffling Strutter withdrew his upraised limbs. “Forgive me, sir,” he
said, ‘‘but I do not quite follow your meaning.”
“Of course, of course,” said Lugo hastily. “I realize this must be
kept secret until 1 makes his decision public. And I also know that 10
may not be successor to him—you may be the one who is forced to
carry out his unreasonable plans. So I must tell you, as I would tell 1
if he were here, that my government strongly objects to the ternary
system, and cannot give it any support whatsoever.’’
Now Sniffling Strutter looked around to see if they were being
overheard. His voice was considerably lower when he resumed.
“Your discretion is admirable, Excellency. I had not known you
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