Page 27 - The Perpetrations of Captain Kaga

Persuading the Zookeeper of Apadat

intelligent species in the cosmos into a united federation whose
members use the organization as a means of trade with each other.
The advantages are not merely commercial: the PKU also protects its
members against uncontrolled cultural contact and eliminates any
possibility of armed conflict between them. After you have negotiated
a contract with us, Apadat will be able to increase its prosperity
without endangering its traditional way of life If you decide, at some
later time, to develop more complex relations with the PKU, the
contract can be renegotiated. As you can see by the composition of
my staff here, the PKU does not consist entirely of humanoids,
although we naturally hold the majority of key positions in it.”
Kaga glanced at Ploon upon hearing these words. The Urmite
twitched and his heavy eyelids dilated. I hope we finish this voyage
before Ploon does something drastic, thought Kaga. His attention
shifted back to the admiral who, as usual, ignored any reaction in the
ranks to his remarks.
“The PKU presence here will be limited to one representative
remaining in a compound where all his needs will be provided for by
us. A port site will be determined by mutual consent; deepspace
freighters will make regular calls at Apadat to load and unload trade
items, as well as to supply and relieve our representative. Now,
Lipopotom, since you are the leader here, there is no reason why you
and I cannot work out the details of an agreement immediately.”
The zookeeper leaned forward on his perch and spread his small
inner limbs in a declamatory manner. “Admiral, before you go any
further, I should make it clear that Apadat has no desire to establish
relations with your organization. We are economically self-sufficient
and reject the introduction of any foreign elements into our lives. We
could not allow your representative to set up housekeeping in Apadat.
It may well be that our planet has resources you desire, but you do
not have our permission to export them. Obviously you possess the
power to take whatever you want by force. Our civilization has no
defense against armed marauders, but neither is it base enough to
cooperate in its own plunder.”
“Plunder!” exclaimed Borjug. “Perhaps I did not make myself
clear. We are the most civilized race in the Known Universe; our
intentions are entirely honorable. The value of goods delivered is
always the same as goods received. Your culture will remain
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