Page 103 - The Perpetrations of Captain Kaga

Recounting the Binary Neeks

shared our confidence. Pray tell me the extent of your understanding
of this…ternary system, so I may better appreciate your
government’s position.”
“Well,” said Lugo, “I don’t pretend to know all of the details. I was
able only to put together a rough outline of l’s plan. Please don’t
misunderstand me: I am not asking you to divulge any secret
information. This is all that I know of 1’s plan to strengthen your
hierarchy.”
Lugo took a large sheet of paper out of a pocket and carefully
unfolded it. Sniffling Strutter did not like paper or what was on it, but
he leaned forward to see. Lieutenant Lugo explained the ternary
structure to him in simple language, making sure the old Neek
understood the major points.
“Now, even though I know only this much,” said Lugo, “it is
enough for me to determine that we are against l’s plan completely. I
hope you will prevent it from being put into practice.”
“If I may presume to ask,” said Sniffling Strutter, “what are the
reasons for your request?”
“As you know,” replied Lugo, “owing to my disclosure of certain
facts, 1 was able to construct a hierarchy extremely resistant to
change. It is nearly perfect, and will most certainly frustrate the
attempts of my government to introduce progressive ideas to your
population. It also provides a simple means of isolating all the
individuals who are against the binary system. By taking away their
numbers and giving them a fraction of the power, they would be
unable to work against the system from the inside.’’
Sniffling Strutter found himself holding the sheet of paper. He
raised his limb to throw it away—then checked himself. His
composure regained, he bowed stiffly again, and said, “Thank you,
Excellency, for your advisement. However, I cannot accept your
protest; I am not in power here. Good day, sir.”
The Neek turned and strutted creakily away. As he rounded the
corner of the rear wall, Lugo saw him tuck the drawing out of sight
beneath an upper limb. Lieutenant Lugo smiled for the first time in
many days, and hurried back to his office. There he found Captain
Kaga on the ComSet, getting clearance from Pemulla to lift off from
PJ947-S585J-G9421.

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