Page 26 - The Perpetrations of Captain Kaga

Persuading the Zookeeper of Apadat

by the evidence of our eyes and ears, and by their own admission,
have no authority structure, no machinery to speak of, a crude
subsistence economy, and not even enough sense to be afraid of us.
We are dealing with a very low level of intelligence here, men, and I
think we’ll be able to negotiate a favorable deal for the gorkalon
ourselves, without waiting for a socio-economic representative. We
might even be able to ship some of it back on the Jai Singh if we play
this right.”
The PKU staff car, a long sleek air-cushion vehicle, came down
from the landing craft and sat idling.
“Let’s go!” said the admiral, and got into the driver’s seat. The
junior officers climbed into the other compartments, some trailing
tubes, tanks, and telemetry equipment.
“Does he really think they are all that stupid?” Lugo asked Kaga in
a whisper.
“I’m afraid so,” replied the other in a low voice. “And I think he’s
in for a big surprise.”
The citizens of Apadat’s only town regarded the PKU vehicle with
curiosity as it passed through their streets at the same pace as the
zookeeper’s wagon. The buildings were all single story constructions
of brick and timber; Kaga noted a resemblance to VidLit he’d seen of
old villages on Earth in the pre-Atomic era. There were no signs of
electric power, combustion engines, synthetic materials, or
commercial establishments.
The procession stopped in front of a building whose front
extended on both sides to form a high wall around a large compound.
The zookeeper and one of his assistants jumped down and stood by
the door; the other drove the wagon into what Kaga presumed was a
stable. The PKU contingent, led by Admiral Borjug, followed the
Apadatans into the zoo office.
It was crowded inside; the cadets had no place to sit, so they stood
in a clump behind the admiral, who commandeered a small upended
wooden crate for himself. Lipopotom was joined by his two assistants
on perches mounted on the floor. Kaga could hear muffled grunts and
whistles coming from the zoo grounds; he wondered what lay beyond
the entrance to the cages, a large securely-bolted door just to his left.
Admiral Borjug spoke first. “Thank you for your hospitality. As I
mentioned earlier, it is the goal of the PKU to incorporate every
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