Page 99 - The Perpetrations of Captain Kaga

Recounting the Binary Neeks

support Bagpipe Ambler; the rest will follow Sniffling Strutter, out of
duty or desire.”
“Now, regardless of the scale of any incidents brought about by
Neek hostilities—which might be large because of the explosives
they hold—the structure of Neek society would be irreparably
damaged by the anarchism of Bagpipe Ambler. Our work will be set
back several generations, and there will be no way to avoid a PKU
investigation and its consequences. In political terms, we face both a
revolution and a reaction: two impossible leaps forward and
backward in development. Neither is feasible in the present reality.
The Neeks aren’t culturally mature enough to throw off tradition
when it becomes a little restrictive; neither can they go back to the
good old days before we discovered this solar system. But it sure
looks like they’re going to try—and soon.”
Captain Kaga stared at the doodles. “Are you certain these events
are inevitable? Can’t these two old Neeks be dissuaded?”
Lieutenant Lugo shook his head. “Not as it stands. I think there
wouldn’t be too much objection if the attack was canceled; the
aggressive ones are a small minority. Anyway, I have run out of ideas;
maybe I’m too close to the problem to see it objectively. That’s why I
sent for you, Captain Kaga. How can we prevent disaster?”
Kaga sat back and interlaced his fingers. “I can’t say immediately,
Lugo. Let’s kick around some possibilities. Do you have a cup of hot
stimubev? Good. Now, tell me about 100: whose side is he on?”
“You mean Yodeling Tiptoes?” asked Lugo, bringing the drinks to
the desk. “He’s sort of wishy-washy. I couldn’t really count him on
either side.”
“What about that other Neek I met: Snarling Hopper, I believe
your assistant called him.”
“Oh, he’s totally ingratiating. He’ll do whatever we want him to.”
Captain Kaga and Lieutenant Lugo talked on for several hours.
The floor was strewn with crumpled pieces of paper. Several empty
polycups were pushed to one side of the desk. The two men were
exhausted. But they had a plan.
The next morning, the PKU sent out two Neek messengers, one
following the other after a five-minute interval. At 0900 Lieutenant
Lugo stood at the front gate of the mission. An old Neek ambled up
to him, wheezing musically.
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