Page 112 - The Perpetrations of Captain Kaga

Fasting the Plastiphage

looks like the Hierotechs will be out of both oil and
plastikons within one generation. No doubt they are
expecting another miracle, for they still refuse to
discuss any concrete plans for trade with the PKU.

The narrative ended and Captain Kaga stretched slowly, impeded by
the webbing around his body. He wondered what had gone wrong.
The last section of the report had been filed very recently, so it was
quite likely that Lugo himself was the PKU representative who had
sent the distress signal. If so, Kaga hoped his friend had not wandered
off into the countryside in search of a solution, as he had done when
confronted with the Vegimal dilemma. Surely Lugo was smart enough
not to make the same mistake twice: or was he?
The ship landed in a field outside Burdleim’s only city. Kaga could
see the upper stories of the Great Temple from the portlens. He
waited for a few minutes for any signs of a welcoming party, but none
appeared. He gathered up some equipment and left the ship on foot,
heading in as straight a line as possible toward the temple. He passed
several Burdleimians, rural folk who regarded him with curiosity, but
kept clear of his path. He supposed that the Hierotechs forbade any
unofficial contact with the aliens.
At the entrance to the temple he was stopped by a man stationed at
the door. Kaga set his Languex for Burdleim and said, “I am Captain
Kaga of the PKU. I have come to see the PKU representative here.”
The guard said nothing but turned on his heel and went quickly
inside, closing the door behind him. He reappeared a few minutes
later with another man, a young priest in a hooded robe.
“Greetings,” said the priest. “I am Stimgage. Please follow me.”
Kaga entered the Great Temple, walking slowly behind the young
man. Inside it was dark and still; no sounds of prayer or machinery
could be heard. They went down several long passage ways, then up a
short flight of stairs. A door opened and Kaga saw Lieutenant Lugo,
unconscious and badly bruised, stretched out on a cot. The emergency
transmitter on his belt was mangled, but it had worked long enough to
send out its call.
Captain Kaga immediately opened his medical kit and checked
Lugo’s vital signs. He found no internal injuries or broken bones, and
did what he could for the flesh wounds. He decided Lugo was in
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