Page 142 - The Perpetrations of Captain Kaga

Sorting the Sexes on Dulup

mating-time. What had appeared to be in equilibrium
was in fact imbalanced; our hypothesis was that
increasing radii of foraging territories reduced the
chances of recurring balanced combinations beyond the
point of keeping the numbers stable.

While it is possible that the reproductive factor applied
hormonally by the Ovulators to the minimum sex-
partner quantity might, over time, compensate for the
decrease in input, there is not enough time left for this to
happen. We were able to communicate the danger to the
gastrobrachioid leaders, along with a solution which
would be to our benefit as well as theirs. In return for
the mining concession, we would provide the means for
them to avoid extinction.

The system finally implemented is this. A satellite in
synchronous orbit around Dulup constantly monitors
the inhabited peninsula. Using highly sensitive infrared
telescanners, the entire population can be identified by
sex, number, location, and direction of travel. This
information is beamed directly to small computers
carried by the leaders of the groups. Each machine
calculates the optimum distribution of sexes at mating
points in its vicinity and outputs travelling orders to its
group sufficiently in advance of the full moon for them
to react.

A trial of the new equipment was held and proved
satisfactory. Both the satellite and the portable
computers are PKU stock items installed with minor
modifications. The trade agreement having been made,
the exploitation of submarine octanium fields began
immediately. It was noted by the negotiating team that
the monitoring package could not have been sold had
the gastrobrachioids not been a highly intelligent species.

A highly unusual arrangement, thought Kaga. He switched off the
ComSet and puttered around the cabin for a while. Then the

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