Page 25 - The Perpetrations of Captain Kaga

Persuading the Zookeeper of Apadat

the rest of the exploratory party’s Languexes were functioning, so
they were all able to understand the creatures’ remarks.
“Listen to that, Giznof!” said one. “They’ve got mechanical
translators!”
“And look at that flying machine!” said another.“I bet they’ve got
enough explosive power in there to blow up the whole planet!”
“All right, Boku-boku,” said the third. “You and Giznof keep quiet
a minute while I examine these creatures. Remember, they can
understand what you are saying—or, at least, their translators can.”
The speaker of these words then took a step forward and said,
“Greetings, voyagers from space. You have entered the land of
Apadat, the principal dwellings of which you see behind us. We’ve
always wondered whether creatures like you would ever drop in, and I
must say we’re glad to see you have no immediately hostile intentions.
Why don’t you come into town, and we’ll have a brief chat before you
go.”
Kaga was surprised by this response. He tried to see Admiral
Borjug’s reaction, but their leader’s back was turned to the cadets.
They did hear his reply to the offer.
“Certainly. I am Admiral Borjug, representing the Protectorate of
the Known Universe, an intergalactic organization promoting
peaceful relations between civilized worlds through trade and
carefully controlled cultural contacts. These are my junior officers.”
“That’s fine, just fine,” said the native of Apadat. “I am
Lipopotom, zookeeper here. These are my assistants, Giznof and
Boku-boku. I’m afraid we don’t room for all of you in our wagon. Do
you have your own means of transport?”
“Why, yes, of course we do. We have all sorts of sophisticated
devices at our disposal.” Borjug pushed a button on his ComSet.
“Send down the staff car.” Then, to Lipopotom: “We will follow you.
If possible, take us to the highest official in Apadat.”
The zookeeper and his assistants hopped nimbly back onto their
wagon. “I am the only official here,” were the last words the PKU
officers heard as the hexapods suddenly snapped their heads down
and began pulling the cart back the way it had come.
Admiral Borjug turned back to the trainees, a broad smile upon his
cadaverous face. “There!” he said triumphantly. “I hope you were
carefully observing what just transpired, men. These primitive beings,
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