Adventure stories; Human-alien encounters -- Fiction; Impostors and imposture -- Fiction; Political fiction; Science fiction
"That may be possible, but exact duplication seems strange," the
General said. "Although I'm interested in Trygon I haven't had a chance
to read your report. I think you have time to fill me in on some of the
details. Why do they call their planet Trygon II?"
"Trygon is the name of their sun," explained Savage. "Their system
consists of three planets, Trygon I, II and III. Until about seven
hundred years ago only the middle planet, Trygon II was inhabited by
their race. Then they discovered a method of utilizing Solar energy
directly and what amounted to a social revolution took place.
"At the time, Trygon II was divided into a number of countries. The
discovery was made in a country called Czur and with it Czur conquered
the rest of the planet. They used pretty brutal methods, but they
welded the entire planet into one country using one language and having
one ruler.
"Space was the next step and they explored the other planets. The
innermost one was hot and lush and eventually they tamed it and now
they grow all their food there. The third planet, as might be expected
was cold and bare, but it was fantastically rich in minerals. They
transferred their mining and manufacturing to the third planet, leaving
Trygon II the center of trade, the rich and the military.
"There are a number of commercial space-ports but only one military.
It's near the capital city, named Czur in honor of the country that
started it all.
"Two hundred years ago they ventured into deep space. Earth is the
fifth humanoid planet they have conquered."
"That's quite a history," said the General. "What form of government do
they have?"
"Autocratic. The Emperor is the supreme authority, but the High
Commissioner works out the details and sees that the orders are carried
out. All military matters are in the hands of the Emperor and in that
respect the High Commissioner is just a figure head. As you can imagine
there is a good deal of intrigue."
"Yes, I can see that there would be," agreed the General. He glanced at
the wall clock. "But it's almost H-hour."
"Are there any last orders?" Savage asked.
The General smiled wryly. "It might be said that there were no first
orders. You're on your own, Ross. We don't know what you can do, but if
you can get into one of their intrigue groups you should be able to do
something. The rank of Fleet captain carries a lot of weight. All I can
say is be careful and do your best.
"The skeleton crew is moving out and the station is going on automatic
as soon as you leave."
Savage stood up, saluted and then the General took his hand and shook
it warmly. Savage turned and walked out of the office without looking
back.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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