bad feelings. I decided to set the matters straight, once and for all.”
“I pointed out that absolute democracy — sometimes known as 'nihilism' — is equivalent to utter confusion. Further, everyone knew that rule by committee was only slightly less chaotic than rule by a mob. For true progress, authority must be exercised by a single resolute man of unquestioned quality and judgment. I announced that, while I had no overweening lust for power the exigencies of the situation demanded that I take on this great responsibility, with all its challenges and trials. I felt that at this very moment we should agree to this program and proceed with full dedication in this direction.”
“Simonetta sat staring at me. In a pleasant voice she asked if I were definitely convinced that the person in authority should be a man.”
“I answered affirmatively. This, I said, was the lesson of history. Women were valuable adjuncts to society, with unique functions and irreplaceable instinctive skills. In men however resided that peculiar quality composed of wisdom, strength, persistence and charisma necessary for leadership.”
“Simonetta asked: ‘And what function do you plan for Dame Clytie in your new kingdom?' “
“I saw that perhaps I had spoken too expansively, and had stated my case a trifle too earnestly. I replied that 'kingdom' was perhaps not quite the correct terminology, and that certainly I had full and great respect for both the ladies on hand. Dame Clytie might well be in charge of arts and crafts and Simonetta perhaps might do well as Minister of Education — both highly important posts.”
Chilke laughed. “Kathcar, you are a marvel.'
“I stated what I considered to be no more than universally accepted truisms.”
“So you did,” said Chilke. “But that made the cheese no less blinding.”
“In retrospect, I see that I exceeded caution. I had assumed both Dame Clytie and Simonetta to be rational and realistic persons, aware of the fundamental facts of history. I was wrong.”
'Quite so,' said Chilke. “What happened next?'
“Julian said that he thought that all of us had expressed our views, and now we must reconcile what seemed to be relatively minor differences. Our mutual goal was to throw off the dead weight of the Charter and it was not an easy task. Simonetta seemed to agree and suggested that we adjourn for lunch. We went out on a terrace overlooking the lagoon, and here we were served a lunch of mussels, fish paste, a bread of seaweed flour and kelp, along with wine from Araminta Station. Apparently I drank more wine than usual, or perhaps the wine was drugged. In any event, I became drowsy and fell asleep.”
“I awoke to find myself in a flyer. I assumed that I was returning to Stroma, though neither Dame Clytie nor Julian was on hand. It seemed a very long flight, which ended, to my utter astonishment, on Shattorak. I protested with great indignation; nevertheless, I was taken to a doghole and immured. Two days passed. I was told I could either become station cook or remain in the doghole, and I became cook. That is essentially all there is to tell.”
“Where are the flyers kept?'
Kathcar grimaced. “These are not my secrets. I am reluctant to discuss such matters.'
Scharde spoke in a measured voice. 'You are a reasonable man, are you not?'
'Of course! Have I not made this clear?”
“There will be an attack on Shattorak by such forces as we can muster at the station. If you have failed to provide us exact and detailed information, and any of our personnel is killed, you will be deemed guilty of murder by default, and you will be executed.'
“That is not just!' cried Kathcar.
“Call it whatever you like. At Bureau B we interpret justice as loyalty to the terms of the Charter.'
“But I am LPF and a progressive! I consider the Charter an archaic piece of rubbish!'
“We will consider you not only a Peefer but also a renegade and a murderer and execute you with no remorse whatever.”
'Bah,” muttered Kathcar. ”It makes little difference one way or the other. The flyers are in an underground hangar on the eastern slope of Shattorak, where a lava cave was enlarged.'
“How are they guarded?”
“I cannot tell you, since I never ventured in that direction, nor do I know how many flyers are in the hangar.”
“How much staff is on hand?”
“A dozen or so.”
“All Yips?”
“No. The best mechanics are off-world folk. I don’t know much about them.”
“What about Titus Pompo's space yacht? How often does that appear?'
“Twice during my time.'
“Have you seen Namour since you went with Dame Clytie to Yipton?”
“No.”
“And Barduys, what is his function?'
Kathcar responded haughtily: “As I stated, I know nothing of this person.”
“He seems to be a friend of Dame Clytie.”
“So it may be.”
“Hmf,” said Glawen. “Dame Clytie may not be quite so democratic as she would like us to believe.”
Kathcar was puzzled. “Why do you say that?'
“In this new society of equals, Dame Clytie no doubt intends to be more equal than anyone else.'
“I do not altogether grasp your meaning,' said Kathcar with dignity. ”Still, I suspect that you derogate the LPF.”
“Possibly so,” said Glawen.
The Skyrie approached Araminta Station from the southwest, flying very low to avoid observation, and landed in a wooded area south of the River Wan.
Shortly after sunset Glawen approached Riverview House, and knocked at the front door. He was admitted into the reception hall by a maid-servant, who announced him to Egon Tamm. “You have returned in good health! How went your mission?' Egon Tamm’s welcome was almost effusive.
Glawen glanced toward the maid, who was still in the room. Egon Tamm said: “Come, we will talk in my office. Will you take some refreshment?”
“I would be happy for a cup of strong tea.'
Egon Tamm instructed the maid and took Glawen into his office. 'So, were you successful?'
'Yes. I rescued not only Scharde, but also Chilke and another prisoner, a Naturalist named Kathcar. They are waiting outside in the dark. I did not want to bring them in, and show them to your guests.'
“They left yesterday, I am happy to say.'
'I would like you to notify Bodwyn Wook and ask him to come here to Riverview House; otherwise he will be offended and sarcastic when he sees me.”
Egon Tamm spoke into his telephone and was answered by Bodwyn Wook. 'Glawen is here,' said Egon Tamm. 'Everything seems to have gone well, but he asks that you come to Riverview House to hear his report.'
“I will be there at once.”
The maid entered with tea and biscuits. She placed the tray on the table. “Will there be anything more, sir?'
“Nothing; you may retire for the evening.'
The maid departed. Glawen looked after her, 'She may be innocent and honest, or she might be one of Smonny's spies. Apparently they are everywhere. It is important that Smonny is not notified that Scharde, Chilke and Kathcar have escaped Shattorak.“
“Surely she knows they are gone by now!”
'But she cannot be sure that they simply did not try their luck in the jungle, or perhaps are hiding, hoping to seize one of the flyers.'
