Page 97 - The Perpetrations of Captain Kaga

Recounting the Binary Neeks

nightmare! The effect on the more advanced group would be slight,
particularly if it remained physically removed, as was the PKU
mission. But what would happen to the less advanced group? It was
like pulling all the damping rods out of a nuclear pile.
“Quick, Lugo: tell me—do they have any of our weapons?”
“I’m afraid so. They can’t operate guns with triggers, but Snempfar
gave them a small quantity of ion explosive to clear their fields of
large rocks. That didn’t matter much until a few days ago. Everything
was very peaceful, and I was having some success in decreasing the
contacts. I was doing it very carefully, in order not to arouse the
suspicions of either those for us or those against us. I was trying to
act as if nothing had changed, in order to cover for Colonel
Snempfar.”
“But it was too late. Some of the Neeks had gotten very deeply
into our culture. Of course, only the most curious and intelligent got
beyond the gadgets and social amenities. That Neek you just saw in
the outer office has become like a pet to my assistant. He must be
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fairly old because he’s got a pretty low number—in the 2 rank, I
believe—and too senile ever to be of much trouble. No, the problem
lies with the active lower ranks and a few high-level trouble-makers.”
“One of the key weaknesses of the power structure here is that the
leaders are very old and unable to deal with crises. Through my own
intervention and influence, I have managed to convince the chief
Neek, 1 (or Three-whistle Trotter, as we call him), that the situation
will stabilize and that we will halt further contact as soon as possible.
I also pacify him with small bottles of perfume and talcum powder.
Here, look at this diagram.”
Lugo stopped doodling and drew a rough sketch on his pad.

“That’s the line ·of succession as it stands right now. Whatever the
Neek on top says goes; and I’ve already told you about Three-whistle
Trotter, who can no longer whistle or trot. Now, the opinions of
every Neek below him are generally not expressed in public; they just
wait, hoping to live long enough to get to the top. First in line is
Bagpipe Ambler. Though old, he has shown considerable interest in
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