Page 145 - The Perpetrations of Captain Kaga

Sorting the Sexes on Dulup

“But that’s just it,” moaned Lugo. “The deal we made requires them
to use sophisticated communication and computation devices. It was
the only way we could get at the octanium, and the regulations against
technological pollution were waived because the Dulupians would die
off otherwise.”
“So what went wrong?”
“Just this: the negotiators assumed that the gastrobrachioids were
not smart enough to do anything with the receiver-processors except
listen to them like savages before an oracle. Maybe the first couple of
generations behaved like that, but by now all the awe and mystery
have faded away. It looks like they’re no longer passively accepting
directions from the devices. The new leaders don’t understand the
necessity of following the dispersal optimization plans.”
“You mean—”
“Yes. Some of them have learned how to program. As a result, they
are interpreting the satellite data according to their own group’s
limited self-interest. The mating representation percentages are going
all wrong. And I realize now that the local employees on the base are
acting like industrial spies.”
“I see,” said Kaga. “Is that how they got the technical specifications
necessary to master the computers?”
“Yes, mainly as a result of the laxity of my predecessors. Of course,
most of the blame will go to me since the decline in population is only
starting to show up now. I don’t know what to do. I can’t shut off the
satellite broadcasts; that would be a breach of contract. I’ve tried
reasoning with them, but the leaders are all very independent and
aggressive. I can’t afford to antagonize any of them: they are quick to
point out the terms of the agreement that cover the cancellation of
our mineral rights.”
“Hmm,” said Kaga ruminatively. “This is a tough one. Let‘s see
what we can come up with. Why don’t you show me the satellite
control setup.”
Lugo jumped to his feet, a ray of hope gleaming in his red-rimmed
eyes. ‘‘Right! First let me lock up your gadget in my safe. Nothing is
sacred here. I’ve already found one Languex disassembled; and what’s
worse, another that was almost completely re-assembled. Now that
I’m on to them, there won’t be any more of this electronic espionage.”

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