FullReads

“The leader of this order or cult call it what you will–seems to be a woman: a very fascinating creature, infinitely superior to her people as a whole; what biologists call a ‘sport,’ I believe–a radical departure from the general racial trend.

“This leader calls herself Liane, Chief Priestess of the Flame, Mother of Life, Giver of Death, and a few other high-sounding things. We have called her here to Base for questioning, and while she has been here some time, we have so far learned next to nothing from her. She is very intelligent, very alluring, very feminine–but reveals nothing she does not wish to reveal.

“Our purpose in having her brought here was two-fold: first, to gain what information we could from her, and if possible, prevail upon her to cease her activities; second, to deprive her cult of her leadership while you conducted your investigation.

“Your orders, then, are simple: you will proceed at once to Lakos, and inquire into the activities of this order. Somehow, it must be crushed; the means I shall leave to you. You will have complete cooperation of those in charge of operations on Lakos; they are Zenians and natives of Earth, and you may depend upon them implicitly. Do not, however, place any faith in any Lakonians; the entire native populace may well be suspected of participation in the rites of this cult, and they are a treacherous and ruthless people at best. Have you any questions, Commander?”

“None,” I had told him. “I have full authority to take any action I see fit?”

“Yes, at your discretion. Of course,” he had added rather hastily, “you appreciate the importance of our supply of temite. Only Lakonians can gather it in commercial quantities, under the existing conditions on Lakos, and our reserve supply is not large. We naturally wish to increase production there, rather than endanger it. It’s a delicate mission, but I’m trusting you and your men to handle it for us. I know you will.”

He had arisen then, smilingly, and offered his hand to me in that gesture which marks a son of Earth throughout the universe, thus bringing the interview to a close.

* * * * *

IN talking the things over with my officers, we had decided the mission promised to be an interesting one, but full of difficulties. The Ertak had set down on Lakos more than once, and we all had unpleasant memories of the place.

The sunlight on Lakos, such as it was, was pale green and thin, lacking in warmth and vitality. The vegetation was flaccid and nearly colorless, more like a mushroom growth than anything else; and the inhabitants were suspicious and unfriendly.

Remembering the typical Lakonians, it was all the more surprising that a gracious creature like Liane could have sprung from their midst. They were a beetle-browed, dark race, with gnarled muscles and huge, knotted joints, speaking a guttural language all their own. Few spoke the universal language.

But Liane, Chief Priestess of the Flame! The image of her kept drifting back to my mind. There was a woman to turn any man’s head! And such a turning would be dangerous, for Liane had no soft woman’s soul, if I had read her brilliant blue eyes aright.

“Rather a beauty, isn’t she, sir?” commented Hendricks as I paused in my restless pacing, and glanced at the two-dimensional charts.

“The stowaway? Rather,” I agreed shortly. “And chief instigator of the trouble we’ve been sent to eliminate.”

“That seems almost–almost unbelievable, doesn’t it?”

“Why, Mr. Hendricks?”

Correy and Kincaide entered before my junior officer could reply. I think he was rather glad of the excuse for not presenting his reasons.

“Well, sir, she’s under guard,” reported Correy. “And now what’s to be done about her?”

“That,” I admitted, “is a question. After all, she’s an important personage at home. She was brought to Base as a guest, probably something of a guest of honor, of the Council, I gather. And, considering the work that’s cut out for us, it would seem like a poor move to antagonize her unduly. What do you gentlemen think?”