Page 30 - The Perpetrations of Captain Kaga

Persuading the Zookeeper of Apadat

some of whom need a bit of encouragement to adopt our enlightened
ways.”
One of Lipopotom’s assistants broke in. “Don’t you think the
proto-Casormians exhibit hostility in the same manner as this
creature?”
The other rejoined, “Oh, no, not at all, Boku-boku. I have never
seen them change color as this one does.”
“Please, Giznof,” said the zookeeper. “I would appreciate it if you
two would keep still while I am handling this. It is an interesting
point you raised, however.”
Admiral Borjug was again enraged. “You nitwits! You’ve got to let
us have the gorkalon! We’ve got to have a base here! You don’t need
gorkalon here, but it can save lives on my planet! If you don’t agree
to our terms, you backward toads, I’ll show you who’s superior! I’ll
blast this ramshackle village of yours into the ionosphere! I’ll—”
He was interrupted by Kaga, who stepped forward and turned off
the admiral’s Languex. “Admiral,” he said soothingly, “I think you’ve
said enough. Why don’t you take a little break now?”
“What—what is the meaning of this?” spluttered Borjug, jumping
to his feet. “I’ll have you kicked out of the PKU for this insolence!
How dare you interfere in my negotiations with these animals!”
“Admiral,” said Kaga, “it states very clearly in the PKU deepspace
codes that a commanding officer may be relieved of his duties when
he exhibits conduct contrary to PKU principles. I, and all the cadets
present, have just heard you threatening the inhabitants of this world.
I’m not a space lawyer, but that may be grounds for a court martial.”
Lugo came up to the admiral, followed by Ploon and the other
cadets. Borjug looked disbelievingly into their faces, even the non-
humanoid ones. “You wouldn’t do that! My career! I’ve given my life
to expanding the frontiers of the Known Universe! You young idiots
can’t get away with this!”
“Admiral,” said Lugo, “Kaga is right. We all heard you, and there
happens to be an open channel on my ComSet, so the entire crew of
the Jai Singh heard you as well.”
Admiral Borjug sat down heavily on the crate. “Men,” he said
piteously, “don’t let me down. Maybe I have stretched the rules a bit.
But the gorkalon...” his voice trailed off, and he stared blankly at the
zookeeper.
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