Page 128 - The Perpetrations of Captain Kaga

Reforming the World of Bolix

and period of diurnal rotation were noted but not
explained in the preliminary planetary analysis. X-ray
spectrography revealed the presence of kipitite in large
subterranean deposits. Accordingly, the first PKU
mission set about developing trade on the basis of
exploiting the planet’s mineral resources. The first PKU
representative on Bolix, as the indigenous intelligent
species call their planet, quickly discovered a great local
demand for cosmetics, and signed an agreement favorable
to both sides. The Surfoids, as PKU personnel dubbed
the locals, refused to work the mines themselves, desiring
never to leave the surface of their world.

Surfoid culture is loosely organized around leaders whose
titles are rendered by Languex as ‘masters of ceremony.’
Food gathering is a solitary pursuit for the Surfoids,
occupying a large portion of each night. In the morning,
the members of each territorial unit gather for a series of
ritualistic entertainments conducted by their leader. Every
Surfoid takes part in these activities, being a performer of
music, dance or song. An ad hoc convention of masters
of ceremony agreed that the importation of make-up
would greatly benefit their constituents.

Once the agreement had been reached, several tons of
grease paint and glitter arrived on Bolix in the same ship
that brought heavy drilling equipment. It was determined
that the kipitite veins might be closest to the surface near
the equator, so drilling began there. Progress has been
slow, owing to the density of the crust of Bolix; as of the
date of this report, three years later, the test bore has
reached a depth of 175 kilometers. Indications are
nevertheless st1ll favorable to the presence of kipitite, the
presence of which makes it well worth the investment of
time and materials.

The report ended there, after a few clips of Surfoids singing and
dancing in the very faint sunlight of Y27-894. They were large
colorless creatures with composite eyes and seven prehensile limbs.

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