Page 104 - The Perpetrations of Captain Kaga

Recounting the Binary Neeks

“It wasn’t easy,’’ said Lugo with a grin, ‘‘but I convinced Bagpipe
Ambler that the ternary system would ensure a revolution, and
Sniffling Strutter that it would guarantee stability.”
“And they both acted as if Three-whistle Trotter had already let
them in on it?” asked Kaga.
“Just as you said they would.The timing was perfect; they didn’t see
each other. Now, if Snarling Hopper does his part, we may see some
big changes in a few days.”
“Thanks to Pemulla,” said Captain Kaga, “we were able to bribe
that foolish old Neek into agreeing to stay by Three whistle Trotter’s
side until Bagpipe Ambler and Sniffling Strutter returned—and then
tell them that their leader had regained consciousness for a few
moments and spoken while they were gone. When they ask him what
the message was, he’ll say, ‘I couldn’t quite understand it—something
like “ternary system must go ahead.”.’ She coached him until he got it
right. His reward will be a new box of paints.”
“That ought to do it,” said Lieutenant Lugo. “The ternary system
lets them both have their way—or so they think—and gets them out
of my hair. They’ll be too busy learning to count to three to worry
about the PKU. It’s their own decision, so Colonel Snempfar can’t be
blamed, and it actually will enable them to progress at a very slow rate
toward ‘enlightenment.’ I’ve got to hand it to you, Captain Kaga: you
figured out that the only way to handle the Binary Neeks was with
reverse psychology.”

102