Page 114 - The Perpetrations of Captain Kaga

Fasting the Plastiphage

much longer. When it dies, the Hierotechs will lose control of
Burdleim and anarchy will ensue. That is why you must help us.”
“I understand,” said Kaga, “and I shall do my best. First I must see
this creature myself—from a distance, of course,” he added hastily.
“Then I will decide upon a course of action. You will have to
intercede on my behalf with the High Priest. What is his attitude at
present?”
“Greatly worried but unwilling to show it. He was afraid that the
PKU would take reprisals against Burdleim for the injury to its agent. I
think I can use that fear as a means of getting you an audience with
the Plastiphage. Please wait here.”
Kaga sat by Luge’s side while Stimgage was away. He looked at the
remains of Luge’s clothing piled in a corner of the room. They were
made of plastic. Captain Kaga sighed. Why hadn’t Lugo thought of
that? He was still lost in thought when the young priest returned.
“It’s all set,” said Stimgage. “I suggested to him that you could
prevent the PKU from attacking Burdleim only if we let you see for
yourself how foolish your friend was to incur the wrath of our god.”
“Very clever!” exclaimed Kaga. “Listen, Stimgage: if you ever want
a job offworld, the PKU is always looking for intelligent creatures of
your ability.”
“Thank you, sir,” said the acolyte. “But my greatest ambition is to
re-establish the status quo. Lugo has told me what might befall us if
the Hierotechs are discredited by the people of Burdleim. Now, let us
make haste!”
Kaga picked up his Languex and followed the priest down into the
bowels of the Great Temple. Illumination of the narrow stone
passageways was provided by small windows set irregularly in the walls
and ceiling. The deeper they went, the darker it became. Finally they
came to a large hall and stopped on a mezzanine about two meters
above the floor. Kaga could dimly see the Plastiphage, shadowy and
amorphous, crouching almost motionless in the center of the
chamber. His attention was diverted by Stimgage, who indicated a
small group of priests approaching them from the left side of the
gallery.
“That’s the High Priest in front,” whispered the acolyte. “Let me do
the talking.”

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